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These outbreaks served to draw attention to the fact that smallpox is
still prevalent in many parts of the world, and constant vigilance is always
necessary. It also underlined the importance of vaccinating children in the
first two years of life. Not only does this provide protection at least
until the age of school entry, but it also makes it likely that subsequent
re-vaccination will result in a rapid revival of immunity with a diminished
risk of severe local reaction.
SCARLET FEVER
There were 30 cases of scarlet fever notified during 1961 compared with
45 in 1960, 74 in 1959 and 80 in 1958. One of the cases was treated in
hospital. There was no mortality from the disease, which continued to be of
a mild type.
PUERPERAL PYREXIA
The Puerperal Pyrexia Regulations 1951 define this illness as any febrile
condition occurring in a woman in whom a temperature of 100.4ºF. or more has
occurred within fourteen days after childbirth or miscarriage.
During the year 8 notifications were received, all of which occurred in
hospital. The 8 patients all had addresses outside the Borough.
In 1960 3 cases were notified.
PNEUMONIA
Thirteen cases of acute primary or influenzal pneumonia were notified
during the year, compared with 7 in 1960 and 18 in 1959. The total number
of deaths from all forms of the disease during the year was 46, compared with
40 in 1960.
MEASLES
An epidemic of measles of unprecedented magnitude and duration occurred
during the first half of the year, with 980 cases being notified compared
with 18 in 1960. The measles was mild with little by way of complications and
no deaths. The majority of the cases (486) occurred in children in the 5/9
age group, and 448 in younger children. 14 of the cases were treated in
hospital.
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