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In addition, three cases of dysentery were notified during 1971. Thus
a combined total of 16 cases of dysentery and food poisoning were
notified during the year. This compares with 33 during 1970. The reduction
is welcome but merely represents a return to the normal annual total
because 1970 was a year when the notifications were unusually high.
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.