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40
Food Poisoning.
In spite of the very large number of eating places and
food shops in Kingston, no cases of food poisoning occurred
during 1959 which could be attributable to lack of hygiene
in the trade.
A total of 6 sporadic cases of food poisoning occurred
during 1959? and there was a total absence of outbreaks. No
particular food or vehicle of infection was implicated.
All efforts are made to maintain the highest possible
standard in the many eating places in the town, which cater
for thousands of visitors and business people each day. It
is to some extent a measure of the success of the vigilance
maintained and the standards practised that there were no
confirmed incidents of food poisoning.
Tuberculosis.
In accordance with the national trend the number of new
cases of tuberculosis notified continues to be satisfactorily
low. In 1959 in Kingston 19 cases were reported, 18 of which
referred to the lungs. The corresponding total figure for
1958 was 18 of which 16 referred to lungs.
A total of 5,589 persons were x-rayed during a visit of
the South West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board X-Ray
Unit in March - (2,545 males, 3,044 females). The figure is
2,043 less than last year. This can be accounted for to some
extent by a smaller number of sessions available to the general
public. A total of 4 cases (3 males, 1 female) of active pulmonary
tuberculosis was discovered and referred for immediate
treatment. These figures do not necessarily relate only to
Kingston residents.
Whilst there is considerable satisfaction to be derived
from the steady decline in the number of new cases appearing
there are still very many cases, a large proportion of whom
are chronic, on the register and receiving treatment and
attention at the Chest Clinic. Breakdowns and consequent
periods of infectivity are continually possible in these cases
and the infection is therefore still within the community. It
will be many years before the combined effects of improved
living conditions of the population, advances in therapeutic
treatment, facility for early detection of tuberculosis by
public mass x-ray sessions and B.C.G. vaccination of school
children, bring the disease to the point of eradication.