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(iii)
Infectious Disease - The number of infectious disease notifications
received in 1964 was 128 compared with 506 in 1963, a difference
of 378 which is mainly accounted for by the notification of 276 less
cases of measles than in 1963.
Active protection of the child population against diphtheria,
whooping cough, tetanus, smallpox, tuberculosis and poliomyelitis was
continued at a good pace.
Diphtheria - For the seventeenth year in succession no cases of
diphtheria occurred in Kingston. Continued freedom from any illness
creates a complacency in the minds of the people but this must be combated
particularly in regard to diphtheria which is always likely to
reappear, and will do so if protective immunisation of children is not
kept up to a high level.
Parents are constantly encouraged to take full advantage of the
immunisation service provided, particularly the initial protection given
in a child's first year of life. Intensive campaigns are also carried
out to immunise the school and pre-school population against this
disease. This is done under my direction as Medical Officer of Health
as well as Divisional Medical Officer for North Central Division of
Surrey, at the Surrey County Council Clinics and by General Medical
Practitioners.
Food Poisoning - It is pleasing to record that whilst there are so
many restaurants, cafes and food shops in the town, no cases of food
poisoning were reported which could be attributed to such premises.
Four sporadic cases of food poisoning occurred during the year, and
there was a total absence of outbreaks. No particular food or vehicle
of infection was implicated,
I am pleased to report that the constant hard work of the inspectors
on food handling is being rewarded by the maintenance by the proprietors
of a high standard of food hygiene in the town„
Housing and Rehousing - We are glad to note the progress in new
homes for the people by completed schemes and others commenced in 1964,
There is still a constant need for further housing and particularly one
would mention young people setting up for the first time.
The old people also require further provision of specially designed
dwellings where they can be assisted in case of emergency. An additional
point on provision is that many old people are in under-occupied Corporation
houses and if they could be provided with suitable accommodation
and persuaded to move, accommodation would quickly become available for
others.