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(ii) Non-Notifiable Diseases.
(a) Mumps—Chickenpox—Ruisella.
The relative prevalence of these is set out below:—

(b) Influenza.
Influenza of a mild type was prevalent during the last month
of the year. This caused a fairly high morbidity, but a low mortality
rate, most of the deaths occurring over 55 years of age.
Arising out of Ministry of Health Circular 2897, all the Doctors
and Nurses in the District were reminded of the Cash and Carry
System, which is in operation for the provision of meals from the
Borough Restaurants. They were also informed that where no
member of the household was available to collect the meals these
could be delivered to the homes by the members of the Women's
Voluntary Services. The W.V.S. also notified all Group Housewives,
asking them to give domestic assistance, whenever possible.
The British Red Cross Society, at the same time, indicated that
their members would give what assistance they could, and the Boy
Scouts, and Girl Guides' Associations were prepared to do any
family shopping.
Furthermore, the Military Authorities agreed to give Medical
assistance, if possible, to the General Practitioners.
(c) Lice.
Circular 2831 of the Ministry of Health dated 2nd July, 1943,
drew attention to reports of a Sub-Committee of the Advisory Committee
on the Welfare of Mothers and Children. The reports
pointed out the primary responsibility for the cleanliness of children
rests with the mother, and that the problem is, in fact, a house and
family one.
As regards children under 5 years of age, the Sub-Committee
states that Health Visitors should include the examination of the
children's heads (though not the cleansing) as part of their work in
the homes, and in the clinics.
The Circular points out that the first and best line of defence
must always be cleanliness, and that nothing can take the place of
regular weekly washing, and daily brushing and combing of the
hair, and that mothers should be advised that the hair of young
children, up to the age of 5 at least, should be kept short.