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29
Poliomyelitis.
During the year two paralytic and six abortive cases occurred.
This compares with twelve paralytic and three abortive cases in the
previous year. Apart from the fact that the last year's total is practically
halved it is interesting to note that the paralytic: non-paralytic
ratio has swung from 12:3 last year to 2:6 this year. This so far
as it goes, is highly satisfactory.
Medical and public awareness of this disease must be held to
account in some measure for the increased incidence. In the nonparalytic
cases especially the general signs are such that frequently in
the past the illness has probably been dubbed "influenzal chill";
."pyrexia of unknown origin," and the like.
So far as we know no second case arose in any of the homes concerned
and this must be somewhat reassuring as indicating that virulent
though this disease is in individual instances it does not affect other
than a very small minority of even intimate contacts.
In non-epidemic times it is both useful and possibly desirable that
non-paralytic and ' abortive ' suspects should be diagnosed with some
certainty in hospital. In epidemic times, however—if they should
arise—it seems to place an unnecessary strain upon the hospitals to
admit such cases, the more so if reasonable home isolation can be secured.
If the public can be enlightened in this regard (and it is our job to do so
as doctors) then hospitalisation of cases will be viewed in its true perspective
to the benefit of the beds they have available and without
prejudice to the ease nursed at home.
Food Poisoning.
A localised outbreak involving some six persons, occurred during
the year. Various articles of food were sampled and analysed baetcriologically
and although suspicion fell upon liquid in which the meal was
cookcd the positive evidence was not conclusive.
Apart from hand-washing and general personal hygiene it is most
important that all food handlers (and of course everyone) should observe
extreme care that any cuts or septic spots should be adequately
covered until they have cleared up or no longer endanger food.
Although I do not relate it to the outbreak noted, history suggests
a septic finger and re-heated food to be perfect partners for the foundations
of a food poisoning outbreak.
Disinfection.
No change in our methods has occurred. Fresh air, sunlight,
strict personal and general cleanliness have gone far to obviate the
necessity for the more dramatic procedures of the past.
Tuberculosis :
Pulmonary—The notifications for the year are seen to total
128 vice 91 in 1950 and this increase clearly calls for some analysis.
In fact this figure includes three main categories (a) new cases in every
respect and domiciled in our district; (b) cases originally on the register
of another Authority and being transferred to us on change of domicile
to our district; (c) cases with a definite previous history of the disease