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Borough. This is directly attributable to the great success of
the immunisation campaign during the last fourteen years.
A great deal of propaganda with regard to Diphtheria
immunisation has been carried out during the year through
schools and clinics in the Borough ; the local press and cinemas
have also assisted in this effort. As a result of this campaign,
everyone, but especially parents and those in charge of young
children, must now be familiar with the facilities in this district
for this very valuable protection against this deadly disease.
The clinic facilities are listed on page 7 of this report.
In addition arrangements are made for school children to be
immunised at school.
The prophylactics used are Diphtheria Alum Precipitated
Toxoid and Toxoid Antitoxin Floccules.
Diphtheria Immunisation.
Primary immunisations—number of children immunised during
the year : —
Under 5 years 737
Between 5 and 15 years 150
Total 887
Number receiving secondary or reinforcing
injections during the year 709
These figures represent an increase of 21 per cent, over those
for 1947.
Scarlet Fever.
The number of notified cases of Scarlet Fever at 78 is an
increase of 9 on the figures for 1947. The disease was the
usual mild type of recent years. There has been an increasing
tendency for cases of this disease to be nursed at home, as is
indicated in the figures given below. Mild uncomplicated cases
and those where adequate facilities exist for isolation at home
need seldom be sent tio hospital, thus effecting a great saving in
hospital beds, nursing staff, etc.
1944 1945 1946 1947 1948
Cases notified 82 62 74 69 78
Percentage removed to hospital 64 77 64 61 52
Measles.
The figures of notified measles cases for 1948 are an increase
of 65 on 1947, viz.: 355 against 290.
It is noteworthy that only 7 of tihese patients needed
admission to hospital. A supply of adult measles serum was
again available to practitioners through the Health Department
for treatment of cases and protection of contacts.
Whooping Cough.
A decrease in the incidence of Whooping Cough occurred
during the year, the notifications being 190 as against 202 in
1947. Only 4 were ill enough to need admission to hospital.
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