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R.A.S.C. in Dorset who was admitted to hospital on 25th May with
suspected Poliomyelitis whilst home on leave.
This was a rather obscure case and was only finally diagnosed as
non-paralytic poliomyelitis on 19th June. As this young man had only
been home on leave a few days before his admission to hospital, and
had in fact been ill whilst at his camp, there is no doubt that he contracted
the disease in Dorset.
The patient had not been vaccinated against Poliomyelitis.
FOOD POISONING.
Eight cases were notified. Two children in one household were
infected with Salmonella typhi-murium and in four other cases the
organism responsible was also Salmonella typhi-murium. In another
case in a child of 6 years who was admitted to Hospital the causative
organism was Salmonella Chester. Another case reported was a family of
three who had symptoms of food poisoning after eating a chicken pie
prepared and cooked at home. The organism Clostridum Welchi was
isolated from both the chicken pie and faecal specimens.
A number of other cases investigated failed to reveal any specific
Food Poisoning organism.
WINTER EPIDEMICS
An epidemic of influenza started in Wimbledon about the 1st
February and was fairly widespread throughout the Country. At its
peak in the week ending 17th February the percentage of new sickness
benefit claims of the insured population was 495% of the average
weekly figure but as from the week ending 24th February, there was a
steady decline in new sickness benefit claims and the epidemic had subsided
by early March.
In general the influenza was of a mild type, although in some cases,
particularly in regard to the elderly, there were serious complications.
Foggy weather helped to increase the severity of the disease.
The average school attendance for the Council Schools in Wimbledon
at the peak period was 20% below normal and in one school the
attendance was nearly 40% below normal although in addition to
influenza and colds the schools were at this time affected by a high
incidence of measles.
CERTIFICATES OF VACCINATION AND INOCULATION.
In order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, certain
countries require that visitors should be vaccinated or inoculated against
specified diseases.
International certificates have been prescribed for smallpox, yellow
fever and cholera. When completed by the medical practitioner, the
certificate must be authenticated by the Medical Officer of Health.
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