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54
During 1961, 89 cases were notified from Kingston Hospital, 24
of which referred to Kingston residents. These figures compare with 89 and 19 respectively for 1960.
An analysis for the years back to
1957 is shown below.

Smallpox.
There were no cases recorded in Kingston during 1961. A series
of outbreaks occurred in several Midland towns including some suspected
cases in London. This brings to the fore the importance of maintaining
constant vigilance and in particular surveillance over persons arriving
from abroad when they have come by air from countries where outbreaks
have occurred.
Most countries insist upon an International Certificate of
Vaccination being produced before travellers are allowed to land.
In this connection, a large number of certificates issued by Kingston
doctors are officially authenticated in the Public Health Department
each year in accordance with regulations.
Smallpox vaccination is voluntary and every effort is made to maintain
a high immunity level in the population by vaccinating infants
during their early months. This is carried out by general practitioners
and at the Surrey County Council clinics. Vaccination and re-vaccination
is available free for persons of all ages.
Scarlet Fever.
Eleven cases were notified during 1961, three of which were of
school age. No serious eases or deaths were reported.
As a streptococcal infection scarlet fever is always viewed as
potentially dangerous. Modern drugs however, prove to be a good weapon,
and the illness usually takes a mild form.