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SCARLET FEVER.
There were 80 cases of scarlet fever notified during 1958 compared
with 59 in 1957, 110 in 1956 and 77 in 1955. Nineteen of the cases, all
children, were treated in hospital. There was no mortality from the
disease, which continued to be of a mild type.
PARATYPHOID FEVER.
One case was notified. This was a girl of 9 years who was admitted
to hospital at the beginning of October for investigation and was found
to be infected with Salmonella paratyphosus B. Faecal specimens from
other members of the family were sent for examination but these proved
to be negative. The water supply was also tested with negative results.
Towards the end of November the child was taken home from
hospital by her parents although she was still excreting paratyphoid
organisms in her faeces and urine. The Ministry of Health were informed
but it was felt that there was no action that could be taken to
prevent discharge.
Shortly after the girl had returned home her sister, aged 6 years,
although having no clinical symptoms, was also found to be excreting
paratyphoid organisms. Special precautions as regards personal hygiene
were advised for the two sisters, with the full co-operation of the parents.
After six consecutive negative specimens had been obtained from each
sister they were both allowed to return to school.
ERYSIPELAS.
Of three cases notified, two were removed to hospital. All recovered.
DIPHTHERIA.
There were no cases. Freedom from diphtheria can create the
impression that the danger from this dreaded disease has disappeared,
and this can result in apathy towards immunisation. Diphtheria is still
about, in fact during 1958 in England and Wales, 78 cases of diphtheria
were notified and there were eight deaths. By comparison in 1948, 3,575
cases of diphtheria were notified and there were 156 deaths. These
figures clearly indicate the value of immunisation.
It is still very important that parents should ensure that their
children are kept as highly immune as possible against diphtheria by
early immunisation and periodical reinforcing doses.
FOOD POISONING.
Eight cases were notified. In one of these the patient suffered intermittent
diarrhoea during her pregnancy and after the birth of her baby
in hospital Salmonella typhi-murium was isolated from faecal specimens.
On discharge from hospital the mother remained a carrier and later the
three children of the family were also found to be excreting Salmonella
organisms, although clinically free from symptoms. The father was at
all times negative. At the end of the year negative reports were obtained
from all the carriers but supervision of the family was still being continued.
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