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indeed, and has considerably reduced the burden previously
laid upon our Sanitary Inspectors, who have been required
to take many specimens of faeces from time to time. In
addition, the present method has already cut down exclusions
from school. It must be admitted that children are sometimes
excluded when they are not carrying dangerous, diseaseproducing
germs. On the other hand, it has been proved
that the week's exclusion does not disrupt a school programme
to any extent, and that, on the whole, children and
parents both benefit considerably, I therefore propose
to continue this policy until any fresh evidence comes to
hand.
Puerperal Pyrexia.
No case was notified during the year. This is in
keeping with what has been happening over the past decade,
when puerperal fever has ceased to be a major killing or
incapacitating disease. As I have stated elsewhere in
this Report in regard to maternal deaths, this is almost
certainly due to strict ante-natal supervision, the recent
advances in midwifery and the introduction of antibiotics.
Smallpox.
Once again, no case of smallpox occurred in Friern
Barnet during 1955, while I was not asked to see any doubtful
rashes.
The number of mothers seeking vaccination for their
infants at Child Welfare centres in Friern Barnet again
shows an increase. The latest figures which I have prepared
for the County Council would make it appear that
upwards of 50% of infants born in Friern Barnet were
vaccinated before the end of their second year. This is
a great advance on the position which held not so long ago.
Although no case of smallpox has occurred in Friern Barnet
so far as I am aware, we know only too well that limited
outbreaks have occurred in other parts of the country.
We must not, therefore, relax our efforts until, as is
the case with immunisation against diphtheria, we can say
that we are using the powerful weapon placed in our hands
to maximum advantage.
Tuberculosis.
Fifteen cases of tuberculosis, (14 pulmonary and
one non-pulmonary) were notified during the year, compared
with twenty four cases during 1954.
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