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The tuberculosis death rate fell again last year, and at 0.03 was
the lowest on record. There was also a spectacular fall in the tuberculosis
notification rate, there being only 26 new cases of tuberculosis notified,
compared with 52 in 1957. While fluctuations are likely to occur in
dealing with relatively small numbers, this sharp decline in the notification
rate is most encouraging, and it is hoped that this improved rate
will be maintained in the future.
Seven deaths were recorded from motor vehicle accidents, this
being one more than in 1957. All other accidents accounted for 10
deaths, as compared with 16 in 1957. Suicides totalled 10 cases,
compared with 6 in 1957.
Notifications of infectious disease amounted to only 306 compared
with 898 in 1957. The decrease was largely due to the low incidence of
measles. There were no deaths from infectious diseases. Of special
mention is the decrease in the number of notifications of whooping
cough. Ten cases only were notified, the lowest figure since the disease
became notifiable, and compares with 108 in 1957. Immunisation
against whooping cough was commenced in 1952 and the average
incidence of the disease has fallen since then.
Although Wimbledon was completely free from diphtheria for
another year, the ninth in succession, I would draw special attention
to the importance of maintaining a high level of immunisation in the
community. Any relaxation of the immunisation campaign could have
serious results, the disease is still about and it could return in its old
killing epidemic form. Only if an adequate level of immunisation is
maintained can diphtheria be driven altogether from the country.
Only one case of poliomyelitis was notified in the Borough during
1958, this being the lowest figure recorded in Wimbledon for the past
fourteen years.
Increased supplies of poliomyelitis vaccine became available during
the year which enabled further progress to be made in the active immunisation
of the child population against poliomyelitis. The scheme
was also extended to include further groups of persons and also for a
third reinforcing injection to be given seven months after the second
injection. At the end of the year, 8,248 or 69% of children under the
age of 15 years had been vaccinated with two or more injections.
I should like to take this opportunity of expressing to the Chairman
and Members of the Health Committee my appreciation for the
consideration and courtesy which they have shewn to me during the
year.
May I also express my thanks to all those associated with the local
Health and social services, both statutory and voluntary, for their continued
co-operation during the year. In particular I would like to
mention the contributions of the Senior Public Health Inspector, and
my Chief Clerk, in the production of this Report, and the co-operation
and loyalty of all members of the Public Health Department staff.
I am much indebted to my colleagues in other Departments for
their ready help on all occasions.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
P. J. DOODY,
Medical Officer of Health.
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