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HEALTH SERVICES IN THE AREA INCLUDING CONTROL
OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Tubercul o sis.
There has been little change in the number of new cases of
tuberculosis notified and in the number of deaths. Of the new
cases most of the men are over 25 years but the women are under
this age. The scheme for vaccination of school children has
continued and has been taken advantage of by many to whom it
was offered.
Hospital treatment is provided at all the hospitals in the
vicinity, but especially Harefield, whilst observation and outpatient
treatment is carried out at the Uxbridge Chest Clinic.
This clinic is also dealing with an increasing number of nontuberculous
chest complaints.
Acute Poliomyelitis.
I am pleased to be able to report that no case of acute
poliomyelitis has occurred in the district during the year. This
is the first year since 1954 that this has happened, and one
cannot help feeling that the Poliomyelitis vaccination campaign
has had some bearing on it. The response to the campaign
suddenly became greater in the early part of the year when the
tragic death of a well-known footballer brought home to young
adults the fact that being fit is not necessarily a complete
insurance against infectious disease.
Immunisation and Vaccination.
In view of my comments last year about the generally
accepted immunisation programme, it is interesting to note that
during 1959 a meeting of experts in this field was held at the
Wellcome Institute in London and the subject was discussed very
thoroughly. As a result two recommended programmes were put
forward to cover the immunisation of children against whooping
cough, diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis and smallpox. Both
these were planned to give a minimum number of injections and
involve the use of combined prophylactics. The programmes are
being followed at local clinics in the district, and it is good
to see the increasing interest in protection against tetanus.
Many mothers whose children did not receive the combined diphtheria/whooping
cough/tetanus injections are coming forward and
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