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Scarlet Fever
Sixty-six cases of scarlet fever were notified during 1953, as
against 93 in 1952. No deaths occurred during the year. The
disease was once again extremely mild, complications and sequelae
being almost entirely absent. Indeed, it now appears that quite a
number of cases of scarlet fever are never even seen by the family
doctor.
It must be remembered that, although the existing type of
scarlet fever is exceptionally mild, this must not be taken to mean
that the present mildness will continue. During the latter half of
the nineteenth century, for instance, scarlet fever was an extremely
mild disease. Then, after quite a period, virulence increased and
the disease became one which could both cripple and kill. We
cannot therefore treat the situation with complacency, but must
be prepared for a change in virulence at any time. In the meantime,
we rejoice in the fact that scarlet fever cannot at present be
regarded as a serious disease. We plan our control measures and
arrangements for admission to hospitals accordingly.
Acute Anterior Poliomyelitis
Five cases of poliomyelitis occurred during the year, as against
3 in 1952.
Four of the cases were paralytic. Four were children and one
adult. One death occurred. One case of polio-encephalitis was notified,
a male adult, and this proved fatal.
We found it desirable to stop combined immunisation against
diphtheria and pertussis during parts of August and September,
because at that time a number of cases of poliomyelitis were being
reported from this part of North London. Immunisation against
diphtheria continued as usual, since the risk of poliomyelitis is
extremely slight and virtually negligible with this type of
inoculation.
Although it is not possible to report any spectacular progress
in the investigations which are constantly taking place into the
causation and mode of spread of poliomyelitis, it can at least be
stated that definite progress has been and is still being made. In
America, for instance, claims are being put forward that inoculation
against poliomyelitis may be available within the relatively near
future, while gamma globulin, a fraction of blood plasma has been
used with advantage as a means of protection. For the time being,
however, we have to depend on more general measures, especially
the vital matter of personal hygiene. During the year I took the
opportunity of writing to general practitioners and to head teachers,
giving them the latest available information and, in the case of
schools, detailing simple measures which might be carried out to
protect children. I am happy to be able to report that I received
the fullest co-operation both from general practitioners and from
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