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Again this year there was no serious epidemic but the
incidence of measles remained extremely high throughout the district
and throughout the country. I am glad to report that there have
been no cases of Diphtheria, Paratyphoid or Smallpox recorded.
There has been a steady rise in the incidence of Infantile Paralysis
from 7 to 20. This again was evidenced in the figures for the whole
country, namely a rise from 2,613 to 3,902. It is interesting to
note that recently the virus of this disease has been found in the
house drains connected to those houses where the disease occurred
and in consequence our method of dealing with contacts of this
disease may need some radical alterations.
The inspection of food premises has been rigorously carried
out throughout the year and two successful convictions were obtained
with regard to foreign bodies found in articles of food.
Lectures have been given by my Sanitary Inspectors throughout
the year with regard to the work of the Public Health Department,
which have proved exceedingly helpful judging by the interest taken
in the lectures by the residents of the district.
The drinking water supply and private swimming baths have
been tested and proved to be satisfactory.
Ruislip Lido. Out of 42 samples of water taken for
bacteriological investigation, four proved unsatisfactory and in each
case these samples were taken after excessive rainfall.
The Mass X-Ray Unit did not visit the district in this year
owing to extreme pressure of work, but arrangements have been
made for the Unit to operate here in 1953.
In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere thanks to
the Chairman and Councillors for their interest in the work of the
department and also to my staff of the Public Health Department
for their continued hard work throughout the year.
I am,
Your obedient Servant,
L. D. BAILEY,
Medical Officer of Health.
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