View report page

100
There were 22 cases during 1969, nine of which were admitted to
hospital. Whilst it is far too soon to draw any conclusions it is interesting
to note that the ages of all the infected patients were fairly evenly distributed
between the range of 5 to 44 years.
Diphtheria, Poliomyelitis, Smallpox
This was again a year when fortunately no resident contracted any of
these diseases. The continuance of this satisfactory position must be
attributed in part to two factors: firstly, to the constant pressure of health
education by all members of staff, and, secondly to the good sense shown
by parents in responding to the immunisation and vaccination facilities
provided for their families by the local authority and general practitioner
services. It is most important, however, for the feeling to be inculcated
into the population that these infections could at any time be imported
into this country, particularly as a result of air travel, thus presenting a
risk to the unprotected.
In the control of any disease early recognition and notification are
obviously of great importance. Consequently in an endeavour to prevent
smallpox being brought into the country, and not recognised as such, all
travellers coming from countries where smallpox is endemic and who are
not in possession of valid international certificates of vaccination against
the disease are placed under surveillance for a period of 14 days after their
disembarkation. Forty-one such persons proceeding to addressess in the
Borough were notified and kept under surveillance for the statutory
period during the year.
Whooping Cough
During 1969 there were only 8 cases of whooping cough notified, but
it may be that all the cases may not have been notified, particularly those
witli mild manifestations of the disease.
Dysentry and Food Poisoning
The details of the thirteen instances of food poisoning notified
during the year are set out in the tables overleaf:—