London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Walthamstow 1954
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]
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48
3. Outbreaks Due to Identified Agents.
Total Outbreaks: — Total Cases: —
4. Outbreaks of Undiscovered Cause.
| Total Outbreaks: 4 | Total Cases: 60 (but not all notified.) |
5. Single Cases.
| Agent Identified | Unknown Cause | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmonella Typhi Murium | 4 | 17 | 22 |
| Salmonella | 1 | ||
During September last outbreaks of gastro-enteritis occurred
at 4 factory premises in the Borough. Immediate investigation was
carried out by the Sanitary Inspectorate at the factory canteens
concerned and details of findings are given in the following table.
A letter of advice on food hygiene was compiled in conjunction with the Chief Sanitary Inspector and was circulated by him to all factory managements in Walthamstow providing canteen facilities.
| Date | Number affected | Number at risk | Suspected Food | Pathological results | Suspected cause | Degree of illness | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 .9.54 | 28 | 78 | Stewed Steak | No specimens available | Contamina' tion of plates | Slight | Canteen standards high. Suggestions made re dish washing. |
| 2 . 9.54 | 9 | 30 | Stewed Steak | All specimens negative | ? | Slight | Left over steak used next day and badly stored. Improvement sug' gested. |
| 8 . 9.54 | 18 | 75 | Nil. (See "Remarks" Column) | All specimens negative | Carrier | Slight | A canteen worker previously had diarrhoea & sick' ness. Declined co'operation. Re' signed. |
| 11.11.54 | 5 | 33 | Beef | No specimens available | ? | Slight | Canteen standards high. |