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the outbreak was found to be staphylococcus aureus. Unfortunately notification of
this outbreak was not received in time to obtain a specimen of food ; an examination
of the canteen staff and equipment proved negative.
The remaining 6 cases of food poisoning were individual cases.
Measles
The incidence of measles reaches epidemic proportions about every other year
and from the figures given it will be seen that this was an " epidemic " year. As a
disease, measles is relatively mild but a number of serious complications can arise.
During the past few years efforts have been made to develop a reliable vaccine for
this disease, but so far without success.
Poliomyelitis
For the fourth year running there have been no cases of poliomyelitis.
The introduction of poliomyelitis vaccination not only on a national scale but
internationally has resulted in a dramatic fall in the incidence and mortality of this
dread disease; as a public health measure it has been an unqualified success. Last
year in England and Wales only 51 cases were confirmed. Deaths from acute poliomyelitis
in England and Wales numbered 7, the lowest number ever recorded, compared
with 18 in 1962, the previous lowest annual figure. For the years 1951-3 the average
annual number of deaths from this cause was 262.
Puerperal Pyrexia
Eighteen cases were notified, all of which occurred in the North Middlesex
Hospital Annexe in The Bishops Avenue and were residents of other districts.
The Puerperal Pyrexia Regulations, 1951, require medical practitioners to notify
to the medical officer of health all cases of puerperal pyrexia which is defined as
being "Any febrile condition occurring in a woman in whom a temperature of 100.4°F
(38°C) or more has occurred within 14 days after childbirth or miscarriage."
The Minister of Health in Circular 28/51 advised that the investigations should be
carried out by the medical officer of the county and not by the district medical officer
of health.
Typhoid Fever
A student teacher on holiday at home in Finchley was admitted to Coppetts Wood
Hospital with typhoid fever. The patient had been living in lodgings whilst attending
a training college in the provinces and investigation revealed that her landlady, with
whom she had been in contact, was a typhoid fever carrier. The disease responded
well to treatment and the student recovered.
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