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1. Scarlet Fever. notifications totalled eleven in 1963
an increase of 9 the 1962 figures which were exceptionally
low.
2. Diphtheria the last case of diphtheria notified was 8 years
ago and it is 17 years since this was a cause of death.
3. Measles notifications increased from 27 in 1962 to 314
in 1963) this was to be expected as 1963 was a "measles year".
4. Pertussis notifications were 23 this year, 17 more than in 1962.
5. Notifications of food poisoning and dysentery increased from
a combined total of 8 in 1962 to 13 in 1963.
6. No cases of poliomyelitis were notified.
7. Twelve cases of tuberculosis were notified during 1963, three
less than in 1962. Five of the cases were from Friern Hospital.
8. International certificates. The number of certificates of
successful vaccination or re-vaccination brought to the
department for authentication by parsons proceeding overseas
was 200.
Immunisation and Vaccination in the control
of Infectious Disease.
I wish especially to mention a recent service made
available in Friern Barnet whereby Tetanus Immunisation has been
offered to the outdoor staff employed by the Council. (Although
this strictly belongs to the 1964 report I make no apology for
mentioning it here).
Absence of immunity to Tetanus carries with it two
hazards. The first, death from Tetanus, may occur when the
infection is not even suspected, e.g., from the prick of a rose
thorn. The much commoner hazard however is severe reaction and
shock from the giving of Anti-Tetanus Serum, particularly if
this is repeated.
Certain employments more than others carry with them
the risk of Tetanus wound infection and any injury under these
conditions will demand tne giving of anti-tetanus serum.
The only means of avoiding both the danger of
conteacting tetanus and the danger of serum reaction is by
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