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39
Poliomyelitis.
Of 21 cases notified in the Borough during 1957, 6 were of
pre-school age, 8 of school age, and 7 were Oiver school age. Particulars
are as follows of children of school age:—
Case No. Sex Age Onset Paralytic or Nonparalytic Remarks on Hospital discharge
1. M 6 yrs. 26 Jan. N.P. Complete recovery, Type 1.
2. M 7 yrs. 27 Jan. N.P. Complete recovery.
3. F 7 yrs. 2 Feb. P. Very slight limp.
4. M 10 yrs. 17 Feb. P. Slight facial paralysis
ing speech; weak left
leg. Polio virus not isolated.
5. F 11 yrs. 24 Jul. N.P. Complete recovery.
6. M 9 yrs. 24 Jul. N.P. Complete recovery.
7. M 6 yrs. 11 Aug. P. Right leg paralysed,
ing caliper. Type 1.
8. M 5 yrs. 19 Aug. P. Slight limp.
The same school was involved in cases 1 and 3, but case 1 was
only finally diagnosed by a second blood serum investigation in July.
Acute Infection of the Respiratory Tract.
On October 4th and November 23rd two five-year old children
attending the same class at Copper Mill Infants' School died after
very acute illnesses. The causes of death, after Coroner's postmortems
were stated to be in the first case, phlegmon of the glottis
and acute streptococcal pneumonitis, and in the second case,
phlegmon of the glottis. Post mortem bacteriological examination
in the second case showed nothing significant and no haemolytic
streptococci.
These fatalities were first brought to light on the 26th November
by the Headmistress of the school and shortly afterwards by
the Family Doctor.
There was reason to think that the infection might be primarily
influenzal with secondary bacterial infection, possibly streptococcal.
The absentees from school (presumably mainly due to
influenza) at the respective dates of death were 11% and 9%, i.e.,
considerably lower than the general average at infants' schools. The
school health records showed that both children had been
adequately protected against diphtheria.
Immediate notice was given in writing to the parents of all
children attending this particular class that their presence at school
in the afternoon of November 26th would be presumed as permission
to take nose and throat swabs. This was carried out and
in addition all other staff and children at the school were subject to