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A number of persons were examined bacteriologically following their visits to
Switzerland during the typhoid fever outbreak at Zermatt—all were found to be
negative. One case associated with this outbreak was confirmed in a Finchley resident
living temporarily in another area and who was admitted to Coppetts Wood Hospital.
The attack was a mild one and responded well to treatment.
Tuberculosis
Three persons died from tuberculosis and 27 new cases were notified, giving a
death rate of 0.04 and a case rate of 0.39 per 1,000 population.
In the last decade over the country as a whole, both the case and death rates
have been more than halved. This has been due to a number of factors, improved
living standards, mass radiography, B.C.G. vaccination, eradication of tuberculosis in
cattle and last but far from least the new anti-tubercular drugs.
Notification of tuberculosis is obligatory by virtue of the Public Health (Tuberculosis)
Regulations, 1952, made under sections 143 and 283 of the Public Health Act,
1936. The County Council have a statutory responsibility under section 28 of the
National Health Service Act, 1946, for preventing tuberculosis, including B.C.G.
vaccination, and for the care and after-care of tuberculous persons. The hospital
services provide for the hospitalisation and out-patient treatment of tuberculous patients.
The Borough Council as the Local Sanitary and Housing Authority has a responsibility
for the welfare of tuberculous patients in these respects. This tripartite responsibility
demands the closest liaison to ensure that persons suffering from tuberculosis receive
comprehensive care and attention.
B.C.G. vaccination of children approaching 13 years and older continued at the
secondary schools and of 1,050 children eligible, the parents of 685 (65.2%) consented
to the preliminary testing, vaccination and, where necessary, chest X-ray.
Mass Radiography
The North West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board Mass Radiography Unit
visited Finchley during 1957 and 1961 and, it is hoped, will carry out a further survey
during 1964. Details of permanent Mass X-ray Units are given in the information
section, pages 53-54.
Vaccination and Immunisation
Vaccination and immunisation against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, smallpox
and poliomyelitis is a function of the Local Health Authority, Middlesex County
Council, under Section 26 of the National Health Service Act, 1946.
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