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46
The carrier was most co-operative and was finally cleared in
July after removal of the gall bladder sometime previously.
DYSENTERY
Three cases were notified during 1949, details being as follows :
Sex Age Ward Removed to Hospital Remarks
M 4 yrs. Wood Street Yes Recovered
F 6 yrs. St. James St. Yes Recovered
F 19 yrs. Hale End No Recovered
ACUTE ANTERIOR POLIOMYELITIS
During 1949 a total of 19 confirmed cases was notified as
compared with a total of 27 in 1947.
The incidence by months and Wards is given below :
January July 1
February August 4
March September 4
April October 8
May November
June 1 December 1
Total 19
St. James Street 2
High Street 4
Hoe Street 2
Wood Street 3
Hale End 4
Higham Hill 4
In September/October of 1949 there were six definite cases
in school children. Five schools were involved, there being two
cases in one class but fortunately no further cases were notified.
58 per cent. of the patients were females and 42 per cent. were
males.
With regard to age incidence, 5.3 per cent. were under one
year, 31.6 per cent, between one and five years, 52.6 per cent.
between five and fifteen years and 10.5 per cent. were aged twentyfive
years and over.
Three patients aged 6, 10 and 28 years died, but on the other
hand twelve patients either recovered completely or sustained only
slight permanent weakness.
Arrangements were made through the Clinical Secretary of
the South-West Essex Branch of the B.M.A. for the showing of
a film sponsored by the Ministry of Health in regard to the diagnosis
and management of poliomyelitis, and all medical practitioners
in the area were notified of the showing.
The table overleaf shows the position since 1912, when poliomyelitis
first became compulsorily notifiable :—