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In addition, nine cases of dysentery were notified during 1970. Thus
a combined total of 33 cases of dysentery and food poisoning was notified
during the year. Although the increase over previous years is small, one
has to go back to 1963 in order to find a year when more cases were
notified—then 39 people were infected.
To these totals must be added the infections, which get labelled as
"intestinal upsets" by the general public. Whilst mostly of a benign nature,
nevertheless they cause unnecessary discomfort to the individual and the
loss of a considerable number of working days to the population as a whole.
These infections should not be tolerated by a modern society. Every case,
which is notified, is investigated and wherever possible the cause identified
but, by the time the notification is received, the damage is done. The only
acceptable "remedy" is prevention, and these diseases can be eradicated
only by the general public themselves. All that is required are simple
routine hygiene measures, particularly in association with food handling
and preparation.
Tuberculosis
The tuberculosis register is a valuable statistical weapon in the
control of this infection. In this disease, the morbidity and infectious state
can extend over considerable periods of time and accurate information is
essential. These statistics show that over the last ten years, there has been
a progressive reduction in number of residents afflicted. Inter-authority
co-operation ensures, firstly, that incoming infected residents can be
speedily informed of local treatment facilities and, secondly, that the
register is an accurate summary of the local situation. In this way, information
is provided as to the age and sex distribution of those residents
who have become infected whilst living in Harrow or who have moved
into the district already suffering from the disease.