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9
Scarlet Fever
There were 79 cases of Scarlet Fever notified (as against 38 in 1953) and
37 cases were removed to hospital.
The disease generally was of a mild type and there were no "return"
cases. No deaths were recorded.
Poliomyelitis
One case occurred during the year, this being non-paralytic.
Sonne Dysentery
In April an outbreak commenced and during the following months until
November a total 269 cases were notified involving 106 families. In all, faecal
specimens obtained from cases and their contacts numbered 2,120 of which 526
were positive. It was again noticeable that a high proportion of cases were found
in the larger families, in fact 28 families with four or more cases provided 134
or half the total cases. There is no doubt that the spread of the disease was due
to inattention to personal hygiene and at no time was there any suspicion of the
supply of contaminated food in any canteen or shop.
Measles
As was to be expected a marked drop in the number of notifications occurred.
A total of 11 cases was notified during the year compared with 620 in the previous
year. There were no deaths.
Whooping Cough
Cases were notified throughout the year and totalled 45, compared with
143 cases in 1953. There were no deaths.
It is to be hoped that with the increased use of vaccine against this disease
it will continue to decline.
Disinfection
Verminous rooms disinfested 87
Rooms fumigated 83
Mattresses disinfected 93
Blankets disinfected 143
Pillows disinfected 117
Miscellaneous articles disinfected 250