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5
On 1st August, 1935, there came into operation new Bye-laws—
made under the provisions of the Essex County Council Act, 1933
with respect to the cleanliness of hairdressers' or barbers' premises.
In March, 1935, the Council's sanitary inspectors ceased to
act as Inspectors under the Shops Acts, but were appointed as
inspectors to enforce the provisions of the Shops Act, 1934, with
respect to the ventilation, temperature and sanitary conveniences
in shops.
As in previous years there has been maintained a high standard
in meat inspection; and strict supervision is maintained over
premises where food is prepared and sold.
Infectious Disease.
No case of smallpox has occurred in the Borough since May,
1933; and chickenpox has ceased to be notifiable since June, 1934.
Six persons were notified to be suffering from enteric fever.
Scarlet fever was much less prevalent than it had been during
the two previous years, and continued of the; mild type to which we
have become accustomed during recent years.
Although diphtheria was more prevalent than it has been for
five years, there was a welcome reduction in the case fatality rate.
Measles was not epidemic during 1935.
The mortality from tuberculosis, both pulmonary and nonpulmonary,
continues to decline. In the comparatively short space
of twenty-three years the death rate from pulmonary tuberculosis
has been reduced by over 30 per cent., and that from non-pulmonary
tuberculosis by as much as 77 per cent.
In December, 1934, 1 presented to the Council a special report
drawing attention to the increase in the severity of the prevalent
type of diphtheria and the need for the institution of facilities for
the protection of children against the disease. The Council
authorised the provision of the necessary facilities; and in February,
1935, a weekly clinic for immunisation against diphtheria was
begun. A full report on the first year's working of the special
clinic will be found on pages 64 to 68, from which it will he seen
that parents in the area are anxious to have their children protected
against diphtheria if the facilities exist. Unfortunately, it is impossible
to undertake a more intensive campaign with the available staff.