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The total number of diphtheria specimens examined in 1945
was 431.
In addition 41 specimens of urine were examined, as compared
with 50 in 1945.
Ministry of Health Emergency Laboratory Service.
This service provides facilities for examination of pathological
specimens. 945 specimens were examined for local practitioners
during 1946, as follows :—
Diphtheria Swabs, 558*; Dysentery Specimens, 298 ; Ring'
worm Specimens, 23 ; Miscellaneous, 66.
* These were reexaminations of swabs sent on from Walthamstow.
VACCINATION
Mr. E. Sharp, Vaccination Officer for the area, has furnished
the following return for 1946 :—
Births Successfully Percentage Insus' Exemp' Deaths before Post'
Registered Vaccinated Vaccinated ceptible tions Vaccinated poned
2,343 578 24.6 2 652 57 49
In addition to the above, 116 primary vaccinations were
recorded and 51 re-vaccinations.
During 1946, the vaccinal condition of all school children
examined at Routine Medical Examinations was recorded, and a
summary of the findings for the year showed that 18.0 per cent,
were vaccinated.
PREVENTION OF BLINDNESS
No action was necessary under Section 176 of the Public
Health Act, 1936, for the prevention of blindness or the treatment
of persons suffering from any disease of, or injury to, the eyes.
SMALLPOX
Between February and April a total of 134 persons who had
been in contact with cases of smallpox were notified and required
examination and supervision up to 21 days after contact. This
supervision entailed much extra work for the medical, sanitary
and clerical staff, and fortunately ended without the conveyance
of infection into the Borough.
The contacts were from some 16 troopships, mostly from
India.