View report page

33
DIPHTHERIA
There has been no confirmed case of Diphtheria in the
Borough since 1950 and the last death from Diphtheria was in
1946. However, early in 1960 several "carriers" have been
discovered in one of the Schools and I should feel happier if
the percentage of immunisation acceptance were much higher than
at present.
DYSENTERY
There were fewer cases of this disease notified than last
year, but if through the medium of Health Education the public
could be persuaded to be more hygienic, particularly as far as
toilet routine is concerned, I feel sure the number of cases
could be still further reduced.
FOOD POISONING
Twenty-six cases were notified and in addition eight cases
were "ascertained" i.e. became known otherwise then by notification,
by following up notified cases. None was fatal.
There were two small familial "outbreaks" with two cases
each and in each case the infecting agent was Salmonella , Typhimurium,
Eighteen of the single cases were due to Salmonella , Typhimurium,
three to Staphylococci and in one case the infecting
agent was not identified.
MEASLES
The number of cases of Measles notified was 801 more than
in 1958. This is due mainly to the fact that this disease
reaches epidemic form only once in 2 or 3 years. There was no
death recorded during 1959 as due to Measles.
PNEUMONIA
Notifications in respect of persons suffering from Pneumonia
received during 1959 were 68 as compared with 42 during 1958.
POLIOMYELITIS
Three cases of poliomyelitis were notified during 1958. two
being oaral.vtic and one non-oaralvtic. All were females aged 5
years. 5 vears and 11 years resnectively. After a period of
hospitalisation and treatment all made satisfactory progress.
SCARLET FEVER
There was a considerable increase in the number of notifications
of cases of scarlet fever, i.e. 319 as compared with 105
in 1958. For various reasons 18 cases were admitted to hospital,
but mainly because the patient could not be isolated at home.