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below 1 per 1,000 for five years, although immunisation did not
begin until 1928. During the four years between 1928-32 the
incidence exceeded 1 per 1,000, and since 1932 the incidence has
remained below 1.
It is apparent that the nature of the disease has changed—
prior to 1900 the case death rate was anything up to 40%. For
the past 5 years there has been 1 death in 24 cases.
DIPHTHERIA IMMUNISATION.
This service is now the responsibility of the County Council.
Immunisation is carried out at the various School Clinics within
the area by the Assistant School Medical Officers.
Prior to the taking over of this service by the County Council
some 80% of the children within the Borough had received protective
immunisation at one time or another, and it is pleasing
to note that this high standard is still being maintained.
During the year 1949 a total of 1,079 children received
Primary Inoculations and 1,426 Reinforcing Inoculations.
A total of 8,942 children under the age of 15 years had completed
a course of immunisation (since 1st January, 1935) at the
31st December, 1949. This is equivalent to 71% of the population
under 15 years of age.
TYPHOID FEVER.
Two cases were notified during the year.
These were isolated cases and had no relation to one another.
No secondary cases occurred. Both cases began immediately on
return from seaside holidays, one in August and the other in
November. Both seaside resorts were informed, and necessary
" follow up " action taken.
PUERPERAL PYREXIA.
25 cases of Puerperal Pyrexia, representing an attack rate of
23.7 per 1,000 total births, were notified. All of these cases were
institutionally treated, and there was no mortality.
OPHTHALMIA NEONATORUM.
There were no cases of this disease notified during 1949.
PEMPHIGUS NEONATORUM.
No cases were notified during the year.