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52
Incidence notifications in 1950 were the lowest recorded, at
least since 1930. The notification rates per thousand population
were 0.79 pulmonary, 0.05 non-pulmonary—a total rate of 0.84.
The previous lowest total notification rate was 1.05 in 1936. Deaths
were 33 pulmonary, nil non-pulmonary—representing a death-rate
of 0.26 per thousand population.
Full details as to notifications and deaths for the period 1930/49
were included in the report for last year.

Prevention.—Preventive measures include pasteurisation of
milk supplies, immunisation with B.C.G., mass radiography, chest
X-ray examination of staff whose work brings them into close
contact with children, contact examinations, and rehousing on
medical grounds.
Pasteurisation.—For many years, almost the whole of the milk
consumed in Walthamstow has been pasteurised, and all of it since
the end of 1949. An Order to be made by the Minister of Food
will require compulsory pasteurisation in 1951.
B.C.G. Immunisation.—This matter is referred to more fully
in the report on the School Health Services. In short, there is
participation in the Medical Research Council's trials of antituberculosis
vaccine amongst school-leavers.
Medical Examination of Staff.—During 1950, 189 members of
the staff of the County and Borough Councils, especially those
working amongst children, were referred for chest X-ray as part
of the normal medical examination on appointment or as an annual
check-up.
Mass Radiography.—The Unit visited Walthamstow during
1950, and 11,153 persons were examined, including 4,414 staff and
scholars in educational establishments.
Mass Radiography findings in other areas suggest that one out
of every thousand persons in the population is an undiagnosed
infectious case of tuberculosis, i.e., say 120 cases in Walthamstow.
If this be correct there is clear need for increased facilities and
education to bring the public to accept Mass Radiography.