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SECTION F
Prevalence of, and Control over,
Infectious and other Diseases
The anticipated biennial epidemic of measles
occurred in the first 6 months of the year, reached its
peak in the second quarter and then rapidly subsided.
As so often happens, there was an outbreak of
whooping cough at the same time, the bulk of the cases
occurring in the second and third quarters of the year.
Diphtheria.
Two cases of diphtheria were notified, both
adults, and the diagnosis in one of these was not confirmed
after admission to hospital.
Diphtheria Immunisation.
The arrangements as to clinics remained unchanged.
The increase in the number of children
treated was due largely to the growing population of
the new estates.
The following table shows the number of children
immunised during the past 5 years:—
1943 1944 1945 1946 1947
408 401 445 371 514
415 treated at clinics.
99 treated by private practitioners.
In addition, 326 children previously immunised
were given a re-inforcing dose on starting school.
Poliomyelitis.
That three cases only of poliomyelitis should have
occurred, with one death, must be regarded as extremely
fortunate when the experience of surrounding districts
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