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Measles continued its epidemic prevalence but, for the second
year in succession, no Leyton child died from measles.
Another encouraging feature is that no child has died from
whooping cough. On page 75 will be found information regarding
a special investigation into the efficacy of whooping cough vaccines,
which is being undertaken in collaboration with the Medical
Research Council.
During the summer of 1947 there occurred the most widespread
and serious outbreak of acute poliomyelitis (commonly
known as "infantile paralysis") we have ever had in this country.
In that year 14 cases were notified in Leyton, and of these one was
fatal. Fortunately there was no widespread occurrence of cases
in 1948, when only two cases were notified ; but as early as April,
1949, the first case of the year was notified. During the year
there were notified some 20 cases, of whom four were extra-district
residents who were undergoing in-patient treatment in hospitals
in the Borough. Further information regarding the outbreak,
along with a table showing in summary form relevant information
regarding individual cases, is shown on pages 23 to 24.
Last year I had occasion to draw attention to the increase in
the incidence of and mortality from tuberculosis during 1948.
From the figures on page 27 it will be seen that in 1949 there has
been a welcome decrease in both incidence and mortality.
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES.
During their inspections and surveys of dwelling houses in the
area, your sanitary inspectors report that during recent years
there has been a steady improvement in the standard of cleanliness
of dwelling houses in the area, and in the general environmental
conditions.
Increasing attention continues to be paid to places where food
is prepared, and there is a welcome improvement in the structural
conditions, general cleanliness and utensils. As the result of advice
given by your inspectors, there is increasing desire by both employers
and employees to co-operate in the campaign for ensuring the
cleanliness of catering establishments.
SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE.
From a perusal of the section of the report (and the statistical
appendix) dealing with the school medical service, it will be seen
that it was possible to carry out essential services in spite of shortage
of staff.
There are, however, two branches of the work in which staff
shortage is responsible for virtual breakdown of the service. In