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Acute Anterior Poliomyelitis
Four cases of acute anterior poliomyelitis were notified during
1952, two in the July/September quarter and two in the last quarter
of the year. All four cases were paralytic.
We have maintained our previous policy in regard to the
investigation of cases and contacts, and in regard to the dissemination
of information. The latter subject is never easy. It is highly
probable, for instance, that many cases of poliomyelitis are never
seen even by a doctor. These cases, which may be described as
abortive, may only be ill for a few days, with general symptoms
which are not in any way alarming. It would, however, be
extremely dangerous to give this fact too much publicity, since
many cases of simple tonsillitis or even a common cold might then
give rise to grave anxiety among parents. In the absence of anything
approaching an epidemic or even a seasonal outbreak, it would
appear sufficient to remind parents of the general precautions
which should be taken whenever a child develops a feverish illness
of unknown origin, i.e.. to consult the family doctor as soon as
possible and to maintain whatever isolation is possible in the home
until the doctor has given an opinion. We must at all costs maintain
a commonsense attitude in regard to poliomyelitis, unless or
until conditions are reported which call for more stringent
measures.
It is probable that, during 1953, we will be carrying out
certain investigations at the request of the Central Public Health
Laboratory in regard to the possible spread of the responsible
virus in sewage. The investigations will be conducted with due
regard to the principles set out above. Although the results will
undoubtedly provide useful information either of a positive or
negative nature, it is highly unlikely that they will cause any
disturbance among the general population.
Measles
Four hundred and twenty-one cases of measles were notified
during the year, as against 980 cases during 1951. As indicated
in the introduction to this Report, measles did not spread in
Southgate until towards the end of the year, when 208 cases were
reported between October and December. The disease was
extremely mild on the whole, admission to hospital being required
in no more than 11 cases.
Pertussis
The number of pertussis cases notified during the year showed
a marked fall (40 as against 126 in 1951). No significance can be
attached to these figures, as pertussis is a disease which is apt to
show marked fluctuation over a limited period. As noted in
previous Reports, we are pressing forward with our scheme of
immunisation either alone or in conjunction with diphtheria. As
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