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received their inoculations in other parts of the
country. It is much too soon, of course, to
estimate the effect which the programme of vaccination
against poliomyelitis will have on the incidence of
the disease, or indeed, whether a third inoculation will
still be required. This is a matter which must rest
with the future, although we are all sanguine of the
very real benefits which we hope will derive.
Measles.
Four hundred and forty-one cases of measles were
notified during the year as Against 80 in 1956. As
with scarlet fever, severity was extremely mild,
admission to hospital being only required in six cases.
Pertussis. (Whooping Cough).
Forty-two cases of pertussis were notified during
the year, as against 18 in 1956. As noted elsewhere,
we are continuing our policy of offering inoculation
against pertussis (whooping cough). Again, as noted
elsewhere, these injections are being given quite apart
from diphtheria immunisation.
As pertussis (whooping cough) is most serious
during the first six months of life, our programme is
designed to protect children as soon as practicable after
birth, having due regard to the need for vaccination
against smallpox during the same period.
Puerperal Pyrexia.
One case of puerperal pyrexia was notified
during the year.
Smallpox.
No case of smallpox occurred during 1957.
1957, however, did see the occurrence of three cases of
smallpox in the nearby Borough of Tottenham. This
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