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in the near future, when a safe and efficient vaccine will be avail'
able in this country, to protect children aginst poliomyelitis, just
as they have been protected against diphtheria and, to a lesser
extent, against pertussis. In the meantime, we must continue our
general measures of protection, basing our actions on the knowledge
available to us. I need scarcely point out that propaganda in
regard to poliomyelitis is regularly carried out, mainly through the
schools. I also make a point of informing general practitioners of
any undue occurrences. This propaganda is extremely valuable, the
one proviso being that any feeling of alarm must at all costs be
avoided.
Measles.
Twenty-eight cases of measles were notified during the year,
as against 1.073 during 1953. This is the lowest figure in Southgate
since measles became notifiable in 1940. Admission to hospital was
only required in 2 cases, an indication of the mild character of the
disease.
Once again we must remember that the character of measles
may change from year to year, there being no guarantee that the
present low virulence will be maintained. I am satisfied that the
vast majority of Southgate parents appreciate the situation, and
take the necessary precautions. This being so, it only remains to
make certain that the possible dangers resulting from an attack of
measles, especially in a young child, are made known from time
to time.
Pertussis.
Fiftyfive cases of pertussis were notified during the year, as
against 138 in 1953. It will thus be seen that the number of
pertussis cases which occurred during the year was actually higher
than the corresponding measles total. This could almost be
described as a phenomenon.
We have continued our policy of immunisation both against
pertussis alone and against diphtheria and pertussis combined.
Although pertussis immunisation does not give a full guarantee
of protection, it is generally agreed that efficient immunisation will
modify an attack. This modified attack, which represents merely
a trifling illness, is then followed by life-long immunity. Although
there is an obvious danger that these modified attacks may go
unnoticed, thus helping to keep the infection alive and so passing
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