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changing nature of several other diseases, there is evidence which
leads one to believe that a newer type of infection is making itself
apparent. This applies particularly to virus infections, which are
responsible for several serious diseases, notably acute anterior
poliomyelitis and the virus form of influenza. This evidence is
still indefinite. None the less, it would appear that a certain type
of virus infection is on the increase. Thus, one has been struck by
the number of cases of encephalitis which have recently been
reported, together with the occurrence of several cases of infection
of the brain, following a simple attack of measles. This may, of
course, be due to more accurate diagnosis, and greater care. On
the other hand, the explanation may be entirely different. As the
number of such cases which have occurred in Southgate is
admittedly small, one can merely observe the situation and await
further developments, if any.
The field of epidemiology is one in which the Medical Officer
of Health can play a more and more extensive role. Modern
epidemiology can be applied to almost every phase of our life, and
is a subject in which the Public Health Department of all local
authorities, whatever their nature, must be intensely interested. I
have been in the habit for many years of placing before the
Public Health Committee each month, information relating to local
epidemiology, so that the members may be aware of the position
and trends. I should like to take this opportunity of expressing
my personal thanks to the Committee for the interest and
encouragement which I invariably receive in submitting this
information.
Diphtheria
For the fourth year in succession, no case of diphtheria was
notified in the Borough. It is now almost five years since a case
of diphtheria occurred in Southgate. The last death from this
disease took place approximately nine years ago.
Although immunisation against diphtheria is the concern of
the Middlesex County Council, 1 know that the Borough Council
would wish to be aware of the steps which are being taken to
implement the policy of immunisation throughout the Borough.
Very briefly, the measures adopted are as follows:
1. An ad-hoc immunisation clinic is held each Monday afternoon
in Broomfield House, Broomfield Park. Immunisation.against
diphtheria, pertussis, or diphtheria and pertussis combined, is
available at this clinic, while reinforcing injections are also
supplied.
2. All the maintained schools in the Borough, as well as most
private schools, are visited once each year. These visits are
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