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The remaining cases occurred either singly or among not more than
two persons in individual families in various parts of the Borough, and
were unrelated to each other.
Every case of dysentery, and suspected case, is followed up
systematically, and the importance of personal hygiene in preventing the
spread of infection stressed at all times. Dysentery is generally a
mild illnees but will spread rapidly in nurseries and schools unless
quickly checked.
ACUTE ENCEPHALITIS
There was one case in a girl of seven years who was admitted to
Hospital with initial symptoms of headache, photophobia, sickness,
off food, sleepy. This was a case of encephalitis in which the virus
was not isolated. The child made a good recovery.
WINTER EPIDEMICS
In the first week of February information was received from the local
office of the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance that the
percentage of new sickness benefit claims of the insured population was
281% of the average weekly figure. This figure increased to 319% of the
average weekly figure for the week ending 12th February, 1963 but from the
week ending 19th February there was a steady decline in new sickness benefit
claims and by the end of February the position had returned to normal.
In this heavy outbreak of Illness influenza was not specially noticeable
although there was some Virus 'A1 influenza about. The medical certificates
submitted to the Ministry for sickness benefit were generally for colds,
bronchitis, respiratory infections, gastro enteritis and some influenza.
CERTIFICATES OF VACCINATION AND INOCULATION
In order to prevent the spread of infectious disease, certain countries
require that visitors should be vaccinated or inoculated against specified
diseases.
International certificates have been prescribed for small pox, yellow
fever and cholera. When completed by the medical practitioner, his
signature must be authenticated by the Medical Officer of Health.
During the year 821 requests were received for certificates of
vaccination or inoculation to be authenticated for the purpose of travel
abroad.
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