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Three cases of diphtheria were notified during
the year, but in two the diagnosis was not confirmed,
the third was in an adult aged 19. This represents the
lowest incidence of the disease in the district during the
last 10 years. It would be unwise, however, to attribute
this with any confidence to immunisation, for the disease
is notoriously erratic in delivering its attacks and a
period of at least 20 years must elapse before we can
form a sound and final judgment of the results of our
efforts.
Measles.
The expected biennial epidemic reached its peak
in March and petered out in August. One death was
recorded.
Scarlet Fever.
There was a slight increase in the incidence of
the disease, which continued to be mild in type and twothirdfe
of the cases were nursed at-home.
Scabies.
The disease continued to be more common in the
district than before the war and 116 cases were notified
compared with 88 in 1944. This prevalence is probablydue
to a number of causes, amongst which may be mentioned
overcrowding with the consequent inadequacy of
bedroom and washing accommodation.
The disease is almost invariably spread by direct
bodily contact and the sharing of a bed with an infected
person must almost inevitably lead to infection. Too
often sufferers have neglected to seek medical advice
until several members of the family have become infected
and been deprived of rest and sleep fur weeks.
In some cases the origin of infection has been traced to
the return home of men from the forces on leave or
demobilization.
Treatment. Arrangements were made for treatment
to be carried out by ex-First Aid Post workers
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