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Diphtheria.
No cases of diphtheria were notified, for the seventh
successive year.
Intensive work was continued to immunise the school and
pre-school population against diphtheria and it is intended
to continue with a vigorous immunisation campaign. This is
necessary to prevent any possible diminishing of public
interest in this service, occasioned by seven years freedom
from the diseases, and the complacency which may result.
Immunisation is just as necessary in the absence of
diphtheria as when it occurs.
Poliomyelitis.
No cases occurred during 1954, and the welcome freedom
from this disease may have been due, in part at least, to
the lack of hot dry periods during the summer. Some cases
occurred in neighbouring districts, however, but there is
no evidence that any infection was spread to Kingston
residents.
Acute Infective Encephalitis,
One case occurred during 1954 in a boy aged 7½ years,
who was treated in Kingston Hospital. The illness was
severe and followed an attack of mumps. A complete
recovery was made.
Enteric Fever (Typhoid or Paratyphoid).
No cases of typhoid or paratyphoid B were notified
during 1954. This is the seventh successive year in which
no cases of typhoid or paratyphoid fever were notified.
Measles.
There were 419 cases of measles notified during 1954
(compared with 302 in 1955, and 280 in 1952), of whom two
only were removed to hospital. Generally speaking the
illness was of a mild type with little by way of
complications.
The 5-10 year age group contained the largest number
of notifications (234) the majority of the remainder being
spread over the 1-5 year age group (175) with only 10 at
other ages.
Whooping Cough.
There were only 21 cases of whooping cough notified
during 1954, as compared with 126 in 1953, and 102 in 1952.
This very low incidence of the disease, which Is
considered to be one of the most serious of childhood
illnesses is very encouraging, and the figure is the
smallest ever recorded in Kingston.
Vaccination against whooping cough has proceeded for
two full years, and it is usually performed as a combined
process with diphtheria immunisation.
Every effort will be made in company with the medical
practitioners to maintain a high degree of immunity in all
the school, and under school age, children of Kingston.