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accrue from this infection it is essential that children are protected
by immunisation as early as possible in their life.
787 children received full courses of primary immunisation
and 296 received re-inforcing injections against the
disease.
Acute Poliomyelitis
No cases of poliomyelitis occurred during the year. Table
11 shows one death from Paralytic Poliomyelitis. This patient
whose home happened to be in this district actually contracted
the disease and died while working in another part of the
country.
Smallpox Vaccination
Number of primary vaccinations 628
Number of re-vaccinations 51
In these days of Jet air travel when people move from
one Continent to another in the matter of hours the risk of
imported infection is constantly with us. Everyone should be
protected against smallpox. This is best done in infancy.
Food Poisoning
Seven unrelated cases of food poisoning were notified
during the year. Investigations were made in all cases but it
was not possible to ascertain any specific source of infection
in any of the cases.
Dysentery
Forty cases of Sonnei Dysentery occurred during the year
and the majority of these cases were notified during five weeks
in November and December. The outbreak was fairly well
localised and followed the usual pattern. Spread was from
house to house due to the intermingling of infected children
with their friends. Every case notified is followed up by a
member of the Health Department and every opportunity is
taken to impress upon the families concerned the need for the
most careful personal hygiene.
Maternal Mortality
There were no maternal deaths during the year.
National Assistance Act, 1948—Section 47
It was not found necessary to take action under the
National Assistance Act in respect of persons requiring care
and attention. In certain cases arrangements were made with
the Area Medical Officer for the assistance of Home Helps.
Housing
Since house building recommenced in 1946 this Authority
has built 2,226 dwellings and 1,463 private dwellings have
been erected.