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it may be stated here that the co-operation received from Head
Teachers has been generous and prompt.
Acute Anterior Poliomyelitis.-Four cases of poliomyelitis
were reported during 1949. On was an adult aged 41 years, who
developed severe paralysis. The remaining three were children.
One was described as “abortive poliomyelitis,” recovery being
uneventful. The two remaining cases, a child of five and a child
of three, were both fatal. Diagnosis was made in each instance
following post-mortem examination. It is, of course, not possible
to draw any significant conclusions from such a small number of
cases. There was no connection between any of the cases, the
picture being one of sporadic infection with no obvious correlation.
It is, however, of interest that all four attacks occurred in
individals in whom resistance, because of general health, background
and home conditions, should have been high. This is
in keeping with the accepted theory that poliomyelitis tends to
attack the well-nourished and members of the higher social strata.
It was not considered necessary to take any special steps to
safeguard the public against poliomyelitis during 1949, other than
informing medical practitioners of the occurrence of individual
cases.
Measles.—Four hundred and ninety-eight cases of measles
were reported during the year, as against 767 in 1948 and 392 in
1947. The type of disease continued mild, admission to hospital
being only necessary in a very small number of cases.
Pertussis.—Seventy-three cases of pertussis were reported
during the year, as against 149 in 1948 and 208 in 1947. This is one
of the lowest totals returned in recent years, and continues the
decline shown in 1949. It is highly unlikely that this decline will
be sustained.
The type of disease met with was once mild, very few
admissions to hospital being required.
The scheme for immunisation against pertussis, either alone
or in conjunction with diphtheria, is now undertaken by the County
Council. It will suffice to say that the work is being continued
and that the fullest possible records are being maintained in the
hope that they will prove useful in the future.
Food Poisoning.—From the table of infectious diseases notified
during the year, it will be seen that only six cases of food poisoning
were notified. Although no outbreaks were reported from the
Borough during 1949, it is highly improbable that this total
represents the incidence of food poisoning over that period.
Medical practitioners are reminded from time to time of their
responsibilities in this matter, but it is doubtful whether more than
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