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67
Diphtheria and Poliomyelitis
This was again a year when fortunately no resident contracted either
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.
Whooping Cough
As was the case in 1970, only a few cases of Whooping Cough were
notified during 1971. It is possible that there may have been more than
the twenty-five cases notified because it is difficult to recognise patients
who are suffering from only mild manifestations of the disease.
Enteric Fever
There were two cases notified during the year. One person became ill
on returning to this country following a worldwide tour and was diagnosed
in hospital as suffering from typhoid. The other resident was identified
as a symptomless carrier of paratyphoid B when routine investigations
were carried out following the surgical removal of gallstones.
Full investigation of the contacts of both cases were carried out and
all were found to be non-infectious.
Whilst it is fairly common for travellers to be diagnosed as having
contracted one of these infections overseas, it is always disturbing to
identify residents of this country as symptomless carriers. It is fortunate
that no-one else was infected by him especially as it is many years since
he last visited a country were paratyphoid is endemic.
Cholera and Smallpox
Despite the undoubted successful progress towards the worldwide
eradication of smallpox and cholera, outbreaks of both diseases continued
to occur in various parts of the world. In an endeavour to prevent either
disease being introduced into the country, and not recognised as such, all
travellers coming from countries where either disease is endemic and who
are not in possession of valid international certificates of vaccination
against the diseases, are placed under surveillance. In the case of smallpox
this period lasts for 14 days whilst in the case of cholera, it is for the
much shorter time of 5 days.