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69
DIPHTHERIA
There were no cases of this disease, but, or course, no complacency is
permissible in the prevention of the condition. There is a generation of
young mothers which, because of the successful campaign against diphtheria
initiated twenty years ago, has no first-hand knowledge of its
ravages. Further, diphtheria, unlike poliomyelitis, is a killer rather than
a crippler.
Like so much else in public health, constant vigilance is essential to
ensure an adequately immunised child population.
During the year 2,888 were immunised for the first time and booster
doses were given to 1,067 children.
SCARLET FEVER
Scarlet fever these days is not clearly demarcated from acute
tonsillitis. Any case of acute tonsillitis presenting with ear symptoms
should be regarded as a potential cause of scarlet fever, and the urine
should be examined to exclude the possibility of kidney involvement.
SMALLPOX
In 1963 the Ministry of Health issued Circular 16/63 about International
Certificates of Vaccination against smallpox. The Public Health
Committee of the Council of Europe has sought to improve the special
arrangements which aim to facilitate international travel with special
reference to smallpox. Valid International Certificates of Vaccination
against smallpox are now required by national health administrations
from travellers arriving from local infected areas and from "endemic
areas", the latter to be defined as consisting of African, Asia, the Americas
(excluding Canada and the United States of America). This general
definition of "endemic areas" is recommended to replace the various
definitions, differing from country to country, which have previously been
employed.
The new procedure to be adopted for passengers from locally infected
areas or from the "defined" areas has been approved by the Ministry of
Health. Passengers who do not possess valid International Certificates or
o not show sufficient evidence of protection by a previous attack of
smallpox, will be offered vaccination and unless they are in transit,
placed under surveillance for fourteen days.
During the year 1,107 primary vaccinations and 515 re-vaccinations
were carried out.