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5
There were 13 deaths of infants under 1 year which compares
with 6 in 1953 the lowest number ever recorded. Of these, 8 were
due to prematurity, 2 to pneumonia, 1 to enteritis, 1 to drowning,
and 1 to congenital abnormality. In only the last case can the death
really be considered to have been unavoidable.
NOTIFIABLE DISEASES.
The table in Section F sets out the numbers of cases of infectious
diseases notified by General Practioners during 1954. There was no
particularly high incidence of any diseases and generally the situation
was more favourable than in the previous year.
Measles.
The comparatively small number of cases of measles was to be
expected as this disease tends to be epidemic in alternate years.
Generally the symptoms were moderate and in only two cases was
admission to hospital required.
Whooping Cough.
The incidence was much lower than in 1953 when the abnormally
high figure of 261 cases was reported.
The scheme for immunizing children against whooping cough commenced
in October 1952 and by 31st December, 1954, a total of 1406
children had been protected. It is therefore reasonable to hope that
the scheme is beginning to have its effect and this dangerous disease
is being reduced in incidence and severity.
Poliomyelitis.
Only one case was notified. This was a little girl aged 4-| years
who was under investigation in hospital for difficulty in walking.
There was some weakness of her muscles of the left leg otherwise
all investigations were negative. The diagnosis was thus doubtful
hut poliomyelitis seemed the most likely cause.
Typhoid Fever.
It is unusual to have to report two cases of this disease. The
patients were husband and wife. The wife was the first to be taken
'11 and after a few days treatment at home she was admitted to hospital
where the diagnosis of typhoid fever was made.
About 2 weeks later the husband also became ill and investigation
in hospital proved that he was similarly infected.