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39
One or two eases however have been traced to the consumption
of shellfish? notably cockles, which were gathered from
stretches of shore situated near sewage outfalls. Rivers and
streams which are known to contain paratyphoid organisms are
also a source of danger particularly to children who may play
and bathe in them.
Dysentery (Some).
A total of 13 cases of dysentery was notified during 1957
compared with 21 during 1956. These were all confirmed by
laboratory reports on stool specimens taken from the patients
and in each case the bacillary dysentery organism shigella
sonne was shown to be present.
The prevalence of sonne dysentery has increased throughout
the country during the last few years. and although usually a
mild illness with a low fatality rate? its presence causes a
great deal of work in tracing contacts? and is of considerable
nuisance. Every effort is made to prevent the spread of
infection although the disease can and does run rapidly through
schools etc. Its presence in a nursery for example can be a
serious matter.
The 13 Kingston cases were all in respect of individuals
or individual families; one case only was treated in hospital,
and all recovered without incident.
Each case of dysentery is followed up intensively and all
persons concerned are given advice regarding personal and
general bygiene. It has been proved that the simple act of
hand washing after using the W.C. can be of utmost importance
in preventing the spread of sonne. The Public Health
Inspectors take every opportunity of illustrating this fact to
members of the general public and especially those concerned
with food handling and the care of young children Schools
receive special attention, particularly the infant schools.
Measles.
There were 483 cases of measles notified during 1957 compared
with 35 in 1956. Generally speaking the illness was of
a mild type with little by way of complications and all cases
were nursed at home The majority of the illnesses (245)
occurred in children in the 5/10 age group? and 227 in younger
children.
Whooping Cough.
This is one of the most serious of childhood illnesses
and immunisation has been offered to all children for five
years now. This is usually done in a combined process in
conjunction with diphtheria immunisation? and practically 100%
of the children being immunised for the first time receive a
"combined" material.
During 1957, 55 eases of whooping cough were notified
compared with 58 in 1956? 17 in 1955, 21 in 1954, 126 in 1953,
102 in 1952. The average number of cases occurring during the
previous five years was 65? and in the preceding 5 years 116.
The cases of whooping cough occurring during 1957 were
mild with no deaths. Only 4 occurred in infants under the age
of 1 year, and 22 in children between the ages of 1 and 5
years.