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neighbouring borough concerned also failed to trace any
source of infection.
Even though, from the enquiries made, it seemed evident
that there could be no connection between the two families
concerned in this outbreak, arrangements were made for the
phage typing of the organisms isolated. The Pathologist
reported, in due course, that the two families concerned were
infected with different Phage types of S. typhi-murium,
indicating that there was no connection between the two series
of cases.
All contacts were kept under supervision, and no further
cases were reported.
A report of the outbreak was prepared and submitted to
the Ministry of Health in accordance with Memo. 188/Med.
of May, 1949.
B (l)b Dysentery
Of the five notified cases of dysentery, four occurred in
one family. It was reported by their doctor that three
members of this family actually had symptoms of dysentery.
Investigations were carried out and specimens from each of the
occupants were sent to the bacteriological laboratory for
examination. The results of these tests revealed that each
member of the family had been infected with Shigella dysentery
organisms. The source of infection was obscure but a number
of possibilities were investigated.
Enquiries showed that the father was the proprietor of a
cafe in a London area, and with the co-operation of the
Medical Officer of Health it was agreed that this man should
be excluded from handling food but allowed to attend work in
a supervisory capacity only, until three consecutive negative
specimens were obtained from him.
A series of specimens was taken from all members of
the family until several consecutive negative results were
obtained.