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London was also influenced by a short period of dense fog - "smog",
which occurred from 2nd to 6th December and which is estimated to have
caused some 300 deaths. Incidentally, a serious rail disaster which
occurred at Lewisham during the fog added 90 deaths to the London figure.
Ten confirmed cases of poliomyelitis were notified in 1957, compared
with 3 in 1956 and 44 in 1955. Warm, dry summers, such as we experienced
in 1955, appear to increase the incidence of this disease.
The total number of cancer deaths, viz. 249, was higher this year,
but deaths from lung cancer decreased by 16 to 54.
Deaths from pulmonary tuberculosis numbered 20, or three more than
last year, and notifications of new cases also increased slightly from
116 to 120.
No cases of smallpox occurred in the Borough. No deaths occurred
from scarlet fever, whooping-cough, diphtheria, poliomyelitis or nonpulmonary
tuberculosis. There was one death from measles, the second
in 8 years.
Food poisoning notifications decreased from 22 to 8.
Some important legislation was passed during the year, including
the Rent Act, 1957, and the Housing Act, 1957, the latter being a
consolidating Act.
An interesting decision was obtained in the Magistrates Court,
establishing that separate water closets must be provided for families ant
for workers in premises used jointly for residential purposes and
for factories (see page 23).
The work of the department continues to be seriously hampered by
the dearth of district health inspectors, the number being now five
short of the required establishment of eleven. The urgent work of
operating the new Rent Act was successfully accomplished in spite of
the shortage, but to some extent at the expense of the other public
health work of the department.
In concluding my report on a year, which has been a difficult one
for the staff, I would like to thank them for the good work they have
done, and to the Chairman and the Committee I accord my deep
appreciation of their ever helpful interest and support.
I have the honour to be,
Your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
FRANK R. 0'SHIEL,
July, 1958. Medical Officer of Health.
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