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There were 3 (paralytic) cases of poliomyelitis during the
year, all of whom recovered. Immunisation against this disease
commenced in the District in May, 1956 for the very first time,
but owing to the limited availability of the vaccine, and seasonal
factors, only a small proportion of requests for vaccination
could be met. The vaccine was administered at the County
Council Clinics under arrangements made by the Forest Area
Medical Officer No reactions or untoward effects have been
reported, and it is to be hoped that the scheme will expand as
more vaccine becomes available.
The number of newly acquired cases of tuberculosis on the
L.C.C. Estates increased to 24 notifications, as compared with
17 in 1955. Public sessions of the Mass Radiography Unit have
been arranged as early detection and treatment are the only
ways of preventing the spread of infection from unsuspected
sources.
It is particularly important that men over 40 should be
X-rayed, especially those with persistent cough and bronchitis.
New Legislation
There has been good progress in the implementation of the
Food Hygiene Regulations, 1955, made under the Food and
Drugs Act, 1955. Details are given later in the report.
The Clean Air Act, 1956 has come into operation and the
Council are recommending that their River Estate become the
first smokeless zone in the Urban District.
SECTION 47, NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948 AND
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE (AMENDMENT) ACT, 1951
Six cases have been under supervision during the year. One
has died, in another case two children of school age have been
placed under the care of the County Council, home helps have
been obtained for three, and the other case was admitted to an
institution on a voluntary basis.
Sanitary Conditions
In the report of the Chief Public Health Inspector it will be
seen that the work of the Department continues to increase
mainly for the same reasons as last year, the three principle
causes being population increase, epidemic of dysentery and
new legislation.
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