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Non-paralytic:
The non-paralytic cases nominally total 5 although one of them—
whilst strictly notifiable—must be regarded as having certain points of
doubt about the diagnosis.
It is interesting to observe that of this type 4 of the cases were
males, one being 24 years and 3 ten years, whilst the one female affected
was a 10-year old. Thus 4 of the non-paralytic cases were aged 10.
The months in which the attacks took place were August (1),
September (2), and December (1). It is clear that at any rate here in
Hornchurch the disease cannot be regarded as being one of the summer
months since last year cases occurred in October (3), November (3) and
December (2), whilst this year sporadic cases have cropped up additionally
in January and February. Whether the months of major
incidence remain the summer months or not the fact remains that to
some extent this disease is clearly always with us.
Paratyphoid B. Fever.
One case occurred in a local hospital having originated almost
certainly outside the district. A child of 15, very shortly after arriving
in the district developed an illness diagnosed as Paratyphoid B. No
spread occurred.
Dysentery and Food Poisoning Group.
23 cases of Food Poisoning were notified during the year as against
15 for the previous year, whilst the number of Dysentery notifications
increased to 34.
The following is a copy of the Annual Return of Food Poisoning
notifications for the year 1956 which is sent to the Ministry of Health
in accordance with statutory requirements:—
1 st Quarter 2d Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter TOTAL
2 2 8 11 23
Outbreaks due to Identified Agents:
Total Outbreaks: Nil. Total Cases: Nil.
Outbreaks of Undiscovered Cause :
Total Outbreaks: Nil. Total Cases: Nil.
Single Cases :
Agent Identified: 1. Unknown Cause: 22. 23
(Salmonella Typhimurium: 1).
Food Poisoning:
Three oases came to light as suspected food poisoning in which
the most likely cause appeared to be a brisket of beef which had been
consumed by all the sufferers. Proof is always difficult to obtain without
there being some reservations and this case proved no exception so that
the exact origin must remain presumptive.