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71
ENTERIC FEVER
In 1963 the public image of Switzerland as one of the "clean" holiday
places in Europe was marred by the outbreak of typhoid fever in the
winter sports resort of Zermatt. The outbreak occurred at the height of
the season and being a water-borne infection resulted in many cases. Many
of these were holiday makers from other countries and their return home
either with the disease or incubating it caused much work for many health
departments. About 45 cases were reported in England and Wales (one
Harrow resident was involved). Normal routine investigations were
instituted and all contacts cleared. Circular letters were sent to proprietors
of all food handling establishments in the Borough asking them to seek
advice from the Health Department should any of their staff have been in
Zermatt during the danger period.
About 4 million of the United Kingdom population booked holidays
abroad in 1963 and about 84 per cent of them travelled in Europe. These
figures show that there is a not inconsiderable proportion of the population
at risk and in these circumstances immunisation with T.A.B. vaccine
before the projected holiday should be regarded as the best form of
insurance against this particular illness.
Of the four cases of typhoid and paratyphoid notified during the year,
ihree contracted the disease from abroad (one in Zermatt).
The lady mentioned in previous reports, who was excluded from
engaging in her work as a cook, still remains a carrier.
DYSENTERY AND FOOD POISONING
All cases are followed up by the Department to try and trace sources
of infection. Control of these diseases lies in the hands of the public
themselves. Simple routine hygiene measures are all that are required
yet seem so difficult to obtain.
MEASLES
The usual periodic rise in measles occurred in 1963, with 1868
Mifications compared with 719 in 1962. As about 5°/0 of cases develop
one or other of the recognised complications of the disease an effective
vaccinewould be a worthwhile advance. There is hope that such a vaccin
will be available soon.
TUBERCULOSIS
The following table gives the age and sex distribution both of persons
were resident in the district when it was recognised that they were