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7
In the case of two children contracting diphtheria injections for
immunisation had been given, one at the Borough clinic and the other
privately. In neither case had the child attended for a post-schick
test.
PROTECTION AGAINST WHOOPING COUGH.
The Council's scheme for the free inoculation of children against
whooping cough continues in operation. Children attending war-time
day nurseries and those whose parents are home-visited by health
Visitors have been offered the facilities.
Although the number of children attending for this purpose is
not comparable with those attending for immunisation against
diphtheria, it is pleasing to record that the number attending during
1944 was more than double that of the previous year. As whooping
cough so commonly occurs among the very young children, parents
have often not decided to agree to inoculation before the child actually
contracts the disease. This stresses the importance of giving protective
inoculation against whooping cough at the earliest possible
moment, preferably at six months of age.
CLEANSING STATION.
The Borough Cleansing Station has been well used during the
year, the treatments carried out there having increased by about
20% when compared with the figures for 1943.
The following is a summary of the steps taken to combat infestation:—
(i) All persons infested with vermin coming to the knowledge of
the department are treated at the cleansing station—those
with verminous heads with lethane oil.
(ii) Persons suffering from scabies receive two treatments of benzyl
benzoate. The other members of the family are pressed to
have one precautionary treatment and to this they almost
invariably agree.
(iii) While undergoing treatment the patients' clothing is disinfested
at the cleansing station.
(iv) In severe cases of infestation the bedding is collected and
disinfested at the Borough Steam Disinfector.
(v) Co-operation of the local doctors, the school medical services,
etc., has been obtained and the services available for the
cleansing of such cases have been brought to the notice of all
concerned.
In no case during the year was it found necessary to take statutory
action.