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37
I am not suggesting that Hornchurch traders are more lacking in
their appreciation of the subject of food hygiene than are their counterparts
in other towns; I do not believe they are. That, however,
is purely relative- the important point is that a tremendous lot remains
to be done nationally and locally before the subject of food hygiene
can be viewed by any of us with a really clear conscience.
No opportunity is lost when members of the Department address
local organisations to stress the importance of showing practically
that food hygiene is a vital subject.
Erysipelas.
16 cases have been notified as against 15 in the previous year.
A good case doubtless existed once upon a time for notifying this
disease, but I am not convinccd that its continuation as a notifiable
disease any longer remains necessary.
Measles.
The number of cases occurring during the year approximated
generally to the previous year, being 1,236 as against 1,186. The
disease was of a mild type with so far as I am aware a minimum of
complications.
11 of these cases were hospitalised because in six of the eases
there were complications with other diseases; 3 cases were members
of H.M. Forces; in one ease there was loss of weight and apathy and
1 case could not be adequately isolated at home.
Whooping Cough.
Again the number of cases approximated to that for 1952, the
figures being 495 for the year under review and 519 for the previous
year. The disease was mild and again also the minimum of complications
came to light.
Nine of the eases were hospitalised because in six of the eases
there were complications with other diseases; one child had an unidentified
rash; one did not respond to home treatment and the mother of
one patient was already treating four other children in the house.
Infective Hepatitis.
17 cases were notified during the year, the age incidence being:—
Males
Females
Under 5 None None
5-10 5 5
10-15 3 1
Over 15 1 2
It will be noted that the sex incidence in the major group attacked
is equal. As against last year the 6-10 age group shows more cases
whilst the under 5 group shows fewer (in 1952 4 males in this group
were affected). This year in the adult group there were 3 cases as
against 8 last year. The disease was most marked at Rainham at the
beginning of the year and at Hacton at the end of the year and there
is therefore some evidence that outbreaks tend to be localised and
not explosive. In 3 instances it was known that more than 1 case