View report page

Immunisation against poliomyelitis was continued
throughout the year by the County Council, and with the
improvement in the supply of vaccine local publicity for
vaccination was intensified.
DYSENTERY
Notified cases of Dysentery totalled 76, a large
increase on the previous year, and occupied the Department's
attention throughout the year. Thirty-six of the notified
cases concerned children under 10 years of age. Most of
the cases were of a mild type. The infection was found
to persist for a long time in a number of cases despite
repeated treatment in hospital. Routine testing of other
members of the family in addition to the notified cases
was carried out.
SALMONELLA INFECTION
An outbreak of Salmonella Infection occurred at the
British Hospital, Woolwich, in June involving mainly the
premature baby unit. There were 15 notified cases of
mothers and premature babies, and there were two deaths
of premature babies. The majority of the mothers affected
were residents of the Woolwich and Greenwich areas.
Mothers who had had their babies were discharged immediately.
Despite a thorough check on all patients, staff at the
hospital, buildings and equipment, it became necessary
to close the hospital, but owing to the energetic efforts
of all concerned the hospital was reopened with the minimum
of delay.
Complete disinfection of the premises and of the
bedding and blankets was carried out by the staff of the
Health Department.
PNEUMONIA
Increased notifications of Acute Primary and Acute
Influenzal Pneumonia were received, notifications totalling
140 during the year. The number of deaths from Pneumonia
(all forms) was 128.
-61-