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The year 1960 was particularly placid in regard to infectious
diseases. The total number of cases notified during the year fell
from 894 in 1959 to 336 in 1960. The infectious sickness rate for
the year was therefore 4.80, as compared with 11.02 during the
previous year. This drop was, of course, due in large measure to
the decline in measles notifications.
As I have commented before, however, epidemiology is no
longer concerned merely with infectious diseases, but embraces in
addition a variety of conditions prejudicial to health, or to put this
in another way, conditions which are capable of causing impaired
health or actual disease. Thus, it is our duty to make a careful
search for any conditions, hidden or disclosed, which are detrimental
to the health and well'being of the community. I need scarcely
emphasise that it is much more easy to prevent the setting up of
such conditions than to remove them once they have become
established. For this reason, I have always pursued a policy of
bringing before the Public Health Committee all matters affecting
the health of the Borough, whether these matters concern environmental
or personal hygiene. In this connection, I count myself
extremely fortunate that the Public Health Committee has always
studied my statements and returns with the care which one has
come to expect from the Southgate Borough Council. It is, I feel,
true to say that, unless the Public Health Committee can be
supplied with the fullest information, the Medical Officer of Health
cannot expect that constant support without which success can never
be attained.
The work of slum clearance, if that is the correct term to use
—and I very greatly doubt that it is—still continues. Side by side,
the problem of houses in multiple occupation is constantly under
review, although this fortunately does not present a serious problem
in Southgate. I need scarcely say that housing itself plays a vital
part in any programme of public health. This applies to all
sections of the community, more especially to young married
couples and the aged. For this reason the building projects which
have taken place or are being contemplated in Southgate are
particularly pleasing.
The work of smoke control is proceeding according to plan.
It will be many years yet before the whole of the Borough can be
made a smoke controlled area, but we are working steadily towards
this aim.
Food hygiene, as always, received considerable attention during
the year. This will be evidenced by the number of infringements
which have been brought to the notice of the Public Health
Committee, and upon which legal action was necessary in appropriate
cases. The work of ensuring the cleanliness of our food
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