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food poisoning as we know them to-day are comparatively
mild diseases, except in the very old and very
young„ For that reason they receive little
tion. Here, as in the case of so many infectious
diseases, the remedy lies in intensive and continuous
health education.
It is pleasant to note that the
notifications of tuberculosis fell from 15 to 8
during 1959. The case of tuberculosis is a
particular instance where it would be extremely
unwise to state that this drop is in any way significant.
Although as I have said, comparison
between the infectious diseases figures relating to
two consecutive years can be misleading, it is, in
my opinion, extremely important that we maintain
these figures carefully over a period. This
should allow us to note any trends which may be
significant, and which may indicate the appearance of
a new f actor in the community.
In concluding this review of infectious
diseases, I should make mention of the immunisation
and vaccination programme which the Area Health staff
and family doctors carry out in Friern Barnet.
Inoculation against diphtheria, pertussis
and tetanus is now available at our three clinics.
The use of this new 'triple antigen' began on 1st.
January 1960, and is already proving extremely
popular with mothers. Less visits are now required
either to a clinic or to the family doctor, while
protection against tetanus is now available.
As several cases of tetanus have occurred in North
London within recent months, this appeared to be a
logical addition to our preventive armour. 'The
latest figures for Friern Barnet show that 91.
of children up to the age of two years were protected
against diphtheria at the end of 1959, while approximately
the same number were protected against pertussis.
Figures for tetanus protection are, of course, not
yet available. I think it would be right to claim
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