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Apart from the above two outbreaks, the other cases of food poisoning
which occurred in the Borough related to single individuals, and three
small family outbreaks involving 3, 2, and 2, persons respectively.
Influenza.
Of the various forms of pneumonia only acute primary and acute
influenzal are notifiable, and 79 cases were notified. In the Ministry's
annual report for 1955 it is stated that influenza has been showing signs
of biennial epidemicity in recent years.
Malaria.
There were no cases of malaria notified during the year.
Measles.
Notifications of meales in the Borough numbered 574, compared with
1,834 last year, but there were no deaths from the disease. Epidemics
tend to recur at intervals of just under 2 years, the peak month last
year being April, with the seasonal rise commencing again in November
of this year.
The incidence of measles continues to be high. So far, no way has
been found to immunise children against the disease. In the past, most
deaths were caused by pneumonia as a complication, but due to better
nursing facilities and the use of antibiotics and sulphonamides deaths
from the disease have greatly decreased.
Between 1901 and 1910 no less than 1,728 deaths from the disease
occurred in the Borough, equivalent to an annual mortality rate of 5.63
per 10,000 population. In the decade 1928-1937, deaths totalling 409
reduced the rate to 1.82, and during the past 10 years, 1947-1956, there
were five deaths, the rate being 0.05 per 10,000 population.
Meningococcal Infection.
There were 5 notifications and 2 deaths during the year, compared
with 5 notifications and one death last year.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
There were three cases notified this year.
Poliomyelitis.
This year saw a decrease in the number of cases of poliomyelitis,
3 cases being confirmed compared with 44 last year.
The incidence of the disease tends to be greater in hot summers.
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