View report page

29
The vaccine known as B.C.G. is a possible measure of strengthening
resistance to tuberculosis, although we do not know if this
vaccine is so useful that it is necessary to offer it to all children who
have never harboured the germ of tuberculosis. Therefore, a part
of the scheme is an enquiry into the value of the vaccine. The
children who show by the skin test that they have already, at some
time, had their first contact with the germ of tuberculosis, are not
vaccinated. Some of the others are vaccinated, and an equal number
are not.
It is only by such a scheme that the real value of B.C.G. can
be tested, and, needless to say, the Committee for Education and
Heads of the Secondary Modern Schools concerned have given their
full co-operation.
(ii) Mass Radiography.
During the month of December, arrangements were made by
one of the Mass Radiography Units of the North East Metropolitan
Regional Hospital Board, under the direction of Dr. H. Ramsay,
to visit the area. As these examinations will also be continued
dining January, 1951, it is not possible, at this stage, to give the
results of Dr. Ramsay's findings.
(j) Whooping Cough.
Altogether, 357 cases were notified, and these were fairly evenly
distributed throughout the year. As with measles, no deaths were
recorded.
(ii) Non-Notifiable.
There are relatively few infectious diseases which are nonnotifiable.
The prevalence of these, during the year, is set out below, but
they are probably an under-estimate as the figures are compiled
from the school returns only.

6.—SUPPLEMENTARY
(i) Section 47, National Assistance Act, 1948.
It was not found necessary to take any action during the year
under this section of the National Assistance Act, 1948.