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TUBERCULOSIS.
During the year 89 new cases were added to the register of tuberculous
persons compared with 91 in 1956, and 84 in 1955.
Of the 89 additions 52 were primary notifications and 37 were
transferred from other areas.
An analysis of the notifications received is given overleaf.

The figure of 3 deaths from all forms of tuberculosis represents a
death rate per 1,000 of population of 0 05. This is the lowest tuberculosis
death rate ever recorded in Wimbledon and compares with
0.14 for 1956 when there were 8 deaths. The rate for England and
Wales for 1957 was 0.11.
The number of deaths from tuberculosis has continued to fall for
a number of years due to the use of new drugs and modern methods of
treatment. The notification rate also is beginning to show a steady
decline, though the number of cases notified still remains high, no
doubt due to the better aids to diagnosis.
Treatment for cases of tuberculosis is the responsibility of the
Regional Hospital Board who provide both sanatorium and dispensary
treatment.
Vaccination against tuberculosis with B.C.G. (Bacille CalmetteGuerin)
is offered to all children between the ages of 13 and 14 years,
who attend the County Council's schools. The scheme is operated
through the County School Health Service.
During 1957 it did not become necessary to use the powers given
under the Public Health (Prevention of Tuberculosis) Regulations 1925,
or Section 172 of the Public Health Act 1936. These powers prohibit
persons suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis from entering upon employment
involving the handling of milk, and the compulsory removal
and detention in hospital in certain circumstances, of persons suffering
from tuberculosis.
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