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3. Once again there was a very low incidence of pertussis
during the year. Although no statistical evidence is yet available,
I am personally convinced that the intensive campaign for the protection
of Southgate children against this disease by inoculation is
having a beneficial effect.
4. The fact that 55 cases of pneumonia were notified during
1959 can presumably be attributed to the comparatively brief spell
of extremely bad weather experienced during the early part of the
year. Pneumonia is, however, no longer a serious illness. The
introduction of the modern antibiotics has removed the terrors of
this disease, except in the very old and very young. We still, of
course, have to contend with the occasional case of virus pneumonia,
against which the antibiotics are virtually powerless. Fortunately,
these cases are comparatively rare.
5. The incidence of food poisoning and dysentery during the
year showed a very slight decline. As I have remarked before,
however, we know that the notifications of food poisoning and
dysentery sent to the Public Health Department by no means
account for all the cases which occur.
6. The one case of poliomyelitis notified during 1959 was an
adult. This lady was admitted to hospital suffering from ? meningitis,
later diagnosed as paralytic poliomyelitis. Fortunately,
paralysis was slight and the recovery excellent.
7. The appearance of typhoid fever among the list of
infectious diseases notified during the year shows that this disease,
although rare these days, is still a potential danger. The only case
notified during 1959 made a speedy and complete recovery.
8. The figures relating to tuberculosis are particularly interesting.
In 1955, 47 cases were notified; in 1956 this number was 49.
In 1957 the notifications had dropped to 42, and to 30 in 11958. In
1959 there was a further drop to 25. It may be too soon yet to
congratulate ourselves on the decline in tuberculosis notifications
within the Borough, having regard to the small numbers involved.
None the less, it would appear that Southgate is sharing in the
nation-wide improvement and that the number of yearly notifications
in Southgate gives cause for satisfaction.
Altogether the infectious diseases picture during 1959 was very
satisfactory.
In concluding this review of infectious diseases, I should like
to make mention of the immunisation and vaccination programme
which the Area Health Staff and family doctors carry out in
Southgate.
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