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Acute Anterior Poliomyelitis
Four cases of paralytic poliomyelitis and one case of nonparalytic
poliomyelitis were notified during the year, as against
three paralytic cases and one non-paralytic case in 1955
It will be remembered that inoculation against poliomyelitis
was offered to certain age groups in 1956 (children bom between
the years 1947 and 1954), this work being carried out by the Area
Health Staff. One hundred and five Wood Green children were inoculated
during May and June, the inoculations propeeding without
incident A further sixteen children were inoculated towards the
end of the year. This work will continue in 1957, when it is anticipated
that more plentiful supplies of vaccine will be available,
It is interesting to note that reactions reported following
the inoculations-and these were very carefully scrutinised
were infinitesmal. No child inoculated developed poliomyelitis,
nor did any other member of a family in which a child had been
protected by inoculation.
Although it is known that inoculation does provide what can
at least be described as a reasonable measure of protection,, it
need scarcely be said that the more general measures designed to
safeguard the population, both infants and children, and adults
alike, must not be in any way relaxed, I have taken the oportunity
to provide our schools with notes on the simple safeguards
which can and should be put into force, In my dual capacity as
Medical Officer of Health for Wood Green and District School
Medical Officer, I have taken active steps to impress upon everyone
concerned the vital need for the strietest measures of hygiene
in schools, above all else the washing of children's hands after
using the toilet. In this I have received the utmost co-operation
from Mr. Goodchild, the Divisional Education Officer; co-operation
which I gladly acknowledge The schools have also been most helpful.
We look forward to the day when our children can and will be
protected against poliomyelitis by means of vaccination But until
that day arrives, and even after that day, arrives, we cannot
afford to neglect any matter which will reduce the ravages of the
responsible virus, In this connection, I would draw attention to
the notices displayed round the yachting pond in White Hart Lane
indicating the danger of infection which arises when children
use the pond for paddling and even bathing purposes for which the
yachting pond was never intended.
Measles
As noted elsewhere, 27 cases of measles were notified during
the year, as against 635 cases in 1955. These facts indicate that
1956 was not a "measles year". Once again, the disease itself was
mild in the extreme. Indeed, admission to hospital was required
in only one case.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Thirty seven cases of pertussis were notified during the year,
as against 28 in 1955. Although many of our children have been
immunised by the combined method, which includes an appreciable
measure of protection against pertussis, it must be remembered
that inoculation against pertussis does not claim and never has
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