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The incidence of infectious disease remained low and compared
favourably with previous years. Two cases of diphtheria occurred, one, a
member of the staff at Dr. Barnardo's Homes, aged 20, and the other a girl
of 18 in Woodford Green. In neither case was the disease fatal. Scarlet
Fever showed a further decrease, 50 cases as compared with 59 in 1947;
all were of a mild type. As is usual, by far the most common infectious
diseases were measles and whooping cough, the former showed a decrease
over 1947, 451 cases as compared with 943; in the latter the figures remained
almost identical, 242 cases as compared with 238. One case of acute
anterior poliomyelitis (infantile paralysis) occurred, as compared with ten
cases in the previous year.
Particulars of the Diphtheria Immunisation campaign appear in the
Appropriate section, the number of children receiving primary immunisation
increasing from 813 to 854. The policy whereby immunisation is carried
out by the patient's own doctor, rather than at a municipal clinic, was
continued, experience having shown this to be the method best suited to
the needs of the Borough.
During the latter part of the year a campaign in food hygiene was
commenced, a series of lectures being held for the managers and their
staffs engaged in premises where food was handled. Although the attendance
was not as high as one would have liked, considerable interest was shown
by those who were present, particularly in the display panels which were
Provided.
I am again indebted to the Chairman and Members of the Public
health and Maternity and Child Welfare Committees for their support.
I have the honour to be,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
F. G. BROWN, M.B., B.Ch., D.P.H.
2nd September, 1949.
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