View report page

I have already stated that, until more information is available
as to the nature, behaviour and reservoir of the virus responsible
for poliomyelitis, it is not likely that substantial progress will be
made. We eagerly await such information, whether it be of a
positive or negative character, so that more adequate steps can
be taken to safeguard the community.
Measles.—Six hundred and twenty-seven cases of measles were
notified during the year, as against 498 in 1949. The type of disease
continued mild, admission to hospital being only necessary in a
very small number of cases. The measles epidemic expected early
in 1951 actually arrived during the latter part of 1950. Although
the period covered by this epidemic does not strictly come within
the purview of this report, it might be stated that the total number
of cases notified in Southgate during the past six months has
been higher than I can remember. Owing, however, to the very
mild character of the disease, we have not been called upon to do
much more than receive and tabulate notifications.
Pertussis.—One hundred and fifty-four cases of pertussis were
reported during 1950, as against 73 in 1949, an increase of just
over 100%. Here again, the type of infection was mild, although
it should be remembered that pertussis is still one of the most
serious diseases of early childhood. For this reason, the advocacy
of immunisation against pertussis alone, or against pertussis and
diphtheria combined, in children under 12 months, would appear
wise. It must be admitted that work is still going on to establish
the best type of vaccine to be used for this purpose. 1 am personally
convinced, however, that the Borough Council's policy of offering
immunisation against pertussis (instituted in 1945), either alone or
in conjunction with diphtheria, was a progressive measure, and
that it has had beneficial results. The Council will be aware that
this work is now carried out by the Middlesex County Council.
Food Poisoning.—From the table of infectious diseases notified
during the year, it will be seen that 22 cases of acute food poisoning
were notified, as against seven in 1949. This increase is almost
entirely due to the fact that general practitioners have been notified
on several occasions of their duties in this respect. It must still be
emphasized that the total almost certainly does not in any way
represent the amount of food poisoning which occurred in Southgate
during the year. It should also be stated that, apart from the
outbreaks of dysentery which occurred, to which further reference
will be made, there is no evidence that food poisoning is on the
increase in the Borough.
At one time during the latter part of the year, we had to
contend with simultaneous outbreaks of Sonne dysentery in the
New Southgate area and Flexner dysentery in Winchmore Hill.
34