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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 1955
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]
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52
Public Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations, 1927
Part-Compensation continued to be paid in conjunction with
an adjoining authority to a chronic carrier, in order to prevent her
from following her occupation as a cook. The carrier is now 75
years old and for some years was employed by the other authority
as a convenience attendant. After retirement, she claimed that
she was still physically fit and able to work as a cook. For this
reason, part-time compensation continues to be paid.
FOOD POISONING
The following information is in the form required by the
Ministry of Health :-
1. Local Authority—Walthamstow. Year 1955.
2. Food Poisoning Notifications (Corrected) Returned to R.G.
| 1st Quarter | 2nd Quarter | 3rd Quarter | 4th Quarter | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 15 |
3. Outbreaks Due to Identified Agents.
Total Outbreak : 1 Total Cases : 6
Outbreak due to :—Salmonella Organisms.
4. Outbreaks of Undiscovered Cause.
Total Outbreaks : Total Cases :
5. Single Cases.
| Agent Identified | Unknown Cause | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmonella Typhi Murium | 5 | 3 | 9 |
| Salmonella | 1 |
The most frequently identified agent was salmonella typhi
murium sometimes called the "mouse" typhoid organism.
The following account serves as a sharp reminder that the
comparatively low fatality rate of this infection (say 1% of persons
infected) cannot justify any complacency in regard to typhi murium
infections.
FOOD POISONING OUTBREAK
On 2nd and 3rd June, three members of a family were affected
with severe food poisoning, and on Saturday, 4th June, the
youngest of the family, aged 12 years, died as a result of the