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36.
Acute Poliomyelitis
Chingford was most fortunate in not having more than one case
of poliomyelitis, this being non-paralytic.
Vaccination against this disease commenced in May 1956.
Tuberculosis
Twenty crises of pulmonary tuberculosis were notified to the Health
Department in 1956, a figure similar to that for 1955, but well below
the average, 36, notified for the years 1950-54.
The scheme for vaccination of school children in their fourteenth
year, with B.C.G. vaccine, against tuberculosis was continued, a total
of 325 children being vaccinated out of 584 who were eligible.
The Walthamstow and Chingford Association of Tuberculosis Care
Helpers gave material assistance in the way of milk, groceries, clothing,
etc. to the families of tuberculous persons who were in need of such
support.
Dysentery
A total of 23 persons were notified to the department as suffering
from dysentery.
In addition to the individual cases notified, an outbreak of
dysentery occurred in a school in the borough. Prompt measures were
instituted to limit the infection: in all about 50 children were involved.
The prevalence of this disease indicates that there has been a
serious lapse on somebody's part in the matter of personal hygiene: it
cannot be too strongly stressed that this condition would be brought under
control if hands were washed after every visit to the lavatory and before
preparing or eating food.
Food Poisoning
The four cases of food poisoning which occurred were all investigated,
but in only two of them was the causal agent identified.
Food Hygiene
A close liaison was maintained between the Health Department and all
food premises in the borough.
Vaccination
During the year 309 persons received primary vaccination and 178
persons were re-vaccinated.