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DIPHTHERIA.
There were no cases. The present level of immunisation is still
below what is aimed at, and every effort is made through propaganda
and other means to remind the public of the need for immunisation.
Only if an adequate level of immunisation is maintained can diphtheria
be driven altogether from this country.
FOOD POISONING.
There was one confirmed case in an old lady of 76 years who
became ill after returning from holiday. Stool examination revealed that
she was suffering from a form of food poisoning due to Salmonella
typhi-murium. Specimens taken from other members of the household
were negative, except in the case of a school-girl of 5 years, who was
found to be excreting Salmonella organisms, and was excluded from
school. This child subsequently became negative but the old lady
remained a temporary carrier for some months.
In four other cases investigated the diagnosis of food poisoning
was not sustained.
MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTION.
This was a case of a girl of 10 years who was admitted to hospital
with suspected poliomyelitis but was subsequently diagnosed as a case
of meningococcal meningitis. She made a good and uneventful recovery.
PNEUMONIA.
Twenty-four cases of acute primary or influenzal pneumonia were
notified during the year, compared with 34 in 1956 and 21 in 1955. The
total number of deaths from all forms of the disease during the year
was 30 compared with 23 in 1956.
WHOOPING COUGH.
One hundred and eight cases were notified during the year compared
with 82, 139, 74, and 183 in the last four years. Two of the patients
were treated in hospital. There were no deaths.
EPIDEMIC INFLUENZA ("ASIAN FLU").
A letter was received from the Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry
of Health in June, 1957 warning of the likelihood of outbreaks of influenza
in this country, following outbreaks which had occurred in
several Far Eastern countries during April, May and June.
These outbreaks had been explosive in character but the epidemic
passed quickly. The usual symptoms were reported to be severe headache,
generalised pains and fever (101° -103° F.) lasting 2 or 3 days,
and followed by four days disability.
Sporadic outbreaks of Asian type influenza were first reported in
the North of England about the end of July. The epidemic started in
Wimbledon on or about 21st September. At its peak, school attendances
at some schools in Wimbledon were between 40% and 50% below
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