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36
5. PREVALENCE OF AND CONTROL OVER,
INFECTIOUS AND OTHER DISEASES
(i) Notifiable Diseases
As is usual I have not recorded those notifications where the
diagnosis has been altered after a period of observation, or after
investigation. Where, however, the amended diagnosis has proved to
be another type of infection which is notifiable, the case has been
appropriately recorded. These amendments are sent to the RegistrarGeneral
at the end of each quarter.
(a) Acute Anterior Poliomyelitis
This year I have again to report a very low incidence in Romford.
In point of fact there were only three cases, and all were of the nonparalytic
type. There were no deaths.
One could be sensational, and say that the low number of cases is
the direct result of the immunisation campaign against the disease, and,
whilst this may indeed be true, yet other factors may be involved, and it
is, therefore, better to await developments over the next few years
before coming to conclusions, and, in the meantime, take every
advantage to avail oneself of immunisation, which undoubtedly has
beneficial results.
In connection with the scheme for immunisation, towards the end
of the year, this was extended to include a third, or "booster" injection,
and, also to those born in the years 1933-1942.
Altogether during the year 196 children received the first injection,
21,262 two injections, and 4,291 a "booster" injection. Eighty-six
adolescents received the first injection, and 21 two injections. Furthermore
108 expectant mothers received one injection, and 613, two
injections.
(b) Acute Infective Hepatitis.
This condition is still notifiable in the Eastern region. Altogether,
there were 20 notifications.
During the year, three cases of Weil's Disease (Leptospiral Jaundice)
were brought to my notice. In the first case, which occurred in January,
the patient, unfortunately, died. The other two developed the illness in
August. Both these were mild, and made a quick, and uneventful
recovery. In each instance, the patients, in the course of their work,
were in an environment, which encouraged rodent infestation, and this
condition is one which is transmitted via rats.
Generally speaking, the disease is rare throughout the Country, and,
although groups of cases may occur, it does not give rise to epidemics
Transmission is commonly from the excreta of rodents, through abrasions
of the skin, and preventive measures, therefore, lie in the eradication of
rodents.