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44
Tuberculosis.
During the year 152 new cases (92 male and 60 female) of
Tuberculosis were added to the register. These included 138 cases
(84 male and 54 female) in which the respiratory organs were
affected and 14 cases (8 male and 6 female) in which the infection
was in some other part of the body.
There were 44 deaths from this disease.
The number of notifications for the year showed an increase
of 25 as against the figure of the previous year.
Males of the 15 to 20 year old group and of the 25 to 35 year
old group showed respective rises of 5 and 16 and were largely
responsible for this increase.
Six more deaths from the disease occurred during the year in
comparison with the 1947 figure.
13 of the deaths occurred within one year of notification and 9
cases were notified after death. This suggests that either the
disease has run a very rapid course in many instances or that
diagnosis has been made very late, probably a measure of both
factors.
Chemotherapeutic advances offer an interesting line of treatment,
but early diagnosis of the condition—which may largely be
secured by the seeking of early medical attention—remains of paramount
importance.
The Tuberculosis Register at the end of the year showed as
follows :—
Pulmonary—
Males 324
Females 215
Non-Pulmonary—
Male 52
Females 45
Pulmonary and Non-Pulmonary Total 636
It will be noted that the number of persons remaining on the
register at the end of the year show a very considerable reduction
on the corresponding figures for the previous year.
A reminder should be given that whilst the register has a
considerable value it does not in tact provide that precise information
which its numerical content might suggest. The reduction
noted is the result of very careful enquiry into the existing cases.
Arrangements have also been made with the Chest Physician
for the area which should ensure our being informed of any alterations
in the register which might be initiated through him of, for
example, persons leaving the district, being cured, and the like.