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The table on page 96 gives the number of cases
notified under age groups.
Smallpox
There were 30 referrals for supervision of possible
smallpox contacts who had arrived in this country
from locally infected or declared endemic smallpox
areas and who were reported to be proceeding to
addresses in Hounslow. All these were visited
and kept under surveillance for the required
period.
Whooping cough
There were 112 cases notified compared with 37
in 1966. Fifteen of these cases were under the age
of one year, and two of these were aged 2 months
and two were aged 3 months.
Vaccination records show that 32 of the ninetytwo
notified cases under the age of six years had
been immunised in infancy.
Measles
This was the 'epidemic' year for measles and
1,535 cases were notified compared with 893 cases
in 1966.
Dysentery
There were 16 cases compared with 79 cases in
1966.
Food poisoning
Although 75 cases of suspected food poisoning
were notified, after full investigation only nine
cases were confirmed. The causative organisms
were as follows:—
Salmonella typhimurium (6), salmonella bredeney
(1), salmonella javiana (1) and salmonella
Stanley (1).
Nine other salmonella infections (not foodborne)
were also identified.
Of the 57 remaining cases notified (17 sporadic
and 40 cases in 12 families) all laboratory
investigations proved negative.
Medical Arrangements for Long-Stay Immigrants
Long-stay immigrants are asked to give their
destination addresses at ports of arrival and these
are forwarded to the Medical Officer of Health.
All the addresses situated in the borough are
visited by public health inspectors who advise the
immigrants on how to use the National Health
Service. If the immigrant is accompanied by a
child the address is visited by a health visitor.
Destination addresses in this borough were given
by 341 immigrants, but in 100 cases it was found
that the immigrant had not arrived at the address
given.
Fever Hospital
The borough is served by the South Middlesex
Hospital, but on occasions accommodation in other
fever hospitals may be used. During the year 186
patients from the borough were admitted as
suffering from or suspected to be suffering from
infectious disease. Close contact is maintained
between the hospital and the Department of
Health so that any necessary action can be taken
without delay.
Disinfection
Where necessary, disinfection of rooms is carried
out by the department. During the year 25 rooms
were disinfected and one set of bedding was
destroyed. Six lots of clothing were disinfected
before being sent abroad.
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