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Scarlet Fever
There were 69 cases of Scarlet Fever, 24 fewer than in the
previous year. The known cases were mild in character and there is
little doubt that in a number of others the illness was so slight as to
escape detection altogether. There were no deaths.
Poliomyelitis
There were 11 cases of Poliomyelitis, 4 in January and 7
in July to September. Five patients were under 15 years of age
and 6 were over.
The average age of all the cases was 18 years.
All except one had some degree of paralysis.
Two brothers suffered from the disease but otherwise no
connection between the cases could be traced.
There were 3 deaths—all males—aged 31, 27 and 8 years
respectively.
The Council have granted to the North London Branch of
the Infantile Paralysis Fellowship the use of the Squires Lane
Bath on alternate Sundays for "old" cases of Poliomyelitis.
The cases are collected from a wide area by ambulances and
cars and they are assisted in changing and also in the water by
voluntary helpers.
All cases are certified by a doctor to be free from infection.
It is evident to anyone who has attended any of these sessions
that the patients derive a great deal of pleasure as well as
considerable psychological and physical benefit from their visits
to the bath.
Measles
There was an increase in the number of notifications, there
being 857 compared with 577 in 1952. There were no deaths.
Whooping Cough
Whooping Cough was not prevalent to the same extent as in
recent years. The notifications numbered 165 in 1953 and there
were no deaths.
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