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HEALTH SERVICES IN THE AREA INCLUDING CONTROL
OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Infectious Diseases.
The incidence of infectious diseases was low during I960,
particularly in the last quarter of the year when a total of
23 notifications was received. There is a definite downward
trend in the occurrence of new cases of tuberculosis, and routine
testing of school children has shown that fewer are coming into
contact with the disease during their school life. This means
that they are more vulnerable when they start work and move out
into the world.
The incidence of acute anterior poliomyelitis was low again,
only two cases being notified, but the amount of encephalitis
is increasing. Pour cases were notified compared with only one
last year.
Immunisati at and Vaccination.
I commented last year on the changed programme of immunisation
and vaccination, and the effects of this can be seen in
the tables on pages 12 and 13.
The figures were supplied by the Area Medical Officer and
show details of protection against tetanus and tuberculosis as
well as diphtheria, whooping cough, smallpox and poliomyelitis.
Many mothers do not seem to know or remember what protection has
been given to their children. This is particularly unfortunate
when a child who has been immunised against tetanus has an accident
which necessitates boosting this immunity, as unless the
operator is told this, antitetanus serum will be given and a
serum reaction may occur. I think it is well worth the extra
minute required to ensure that the parent knows what protection
the child has received, and is given a written record of it.
This will not cover the situation when the patient is unconscious
and there is no one to speak for him, but until a national (or
international) system of recording is adopted, we must rely on
whatever individuals can do.
Maternity and Child Welfare Services etc.
These are administered by the Middlesex County Council and
there are numerous sessions for ante-natal and post-natal care,
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