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the Area Health Office nor the Public Health Department
is able to supply sprays or aerosole apparatus, although we
would be only too happy to let you have a supply of
disinfectant, if required.
"(5) I should think it is unlikely that poliomyelitis will continue
to be prevalent if the present, colder type of weather lasts.
On the other hand, Winter Vomiting will presumably
persist, while any return to milder weather may result in a
sudden rise in poliomyelities notifications. Head Teachers
should therefore be on the look-out for any developments.
On our part, we will see that all available information is in
the hand of Head Teachers as quickly as possible. When
poliomyelitis is prevalent in the area—and eight cases have
already been reported from Wood Green and Southgate
combined within the last eight/nine weeks— the parent of
any child who arrives at school after an unexplained illness,
should be interviewed. If a satisfactory explanation is not
forthcoming, the parents should be advised to refer the
child to the family doctor. Children who arrive at school
obviously under-the-weather should immediately be sent
home. The parent should again be advised to consult the
family doctor. It is believed that this procedure would
reduce 'missed' cases. It is known that cases are missed
during even a limited outbreak of poliomyelitis, and that
they materially help in keeping the disease alive.
"I sincerely hope that you will not hesitate to call upon us at
any time for advice or assistance. Either I myself or my Deputy,
Dr. Campbell, or the Assistant Medical Officer attached to your
school are at your disposal at all times. In the same way, my Chief
Public Health Inspector (Mr. A. E. Gooday, telephone PALmers
Green 0023) or any member of his staff, will be only too glad to
help you in matters of hygiene, disinfection and the like. It is
quite obvious that we must all pull together, if the nuisances of
Winter Vomiting and dysentery, not to mention the much graver
implications in regard to poliomyelitis, are to be kept in check. I
feel sure that, as always, I can count on your full co-operation.
Kind regards,
Yours sincerely,
W. C. HARVEY,
Medical Officer of Health and
District School Medical Officer."
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