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THE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIP Mrs. V. HAD WITH
THE FOUR CASES of TYPHOID FEVER
Infective hepatitis
A total of 88 notifications were received of which 23 were
children aged 5-14 years.
A pilot epidemiological study of infective hepatitis
between the West Middlesex and South Middlesex Hospitals
and this Borough was undertaken for one year from
September 1969 to August 1970. The results of this
preliminary survey encouraged the team to make an
application to the Department of Health and Social Security
for financial support for a three year prospective survey of
infective hepatitis in a defined area comprising the London
Boroughs of Ealing and Richmond-upon-Thames in addition
to Hounslow to cover a population of approximately
700,000. The Department agreed to support the proposal
from its Research and Development funds. A full-time
doctor and health visitor and a part-time secretary will
shortly be appointed and the survey will commence on 1st
March, 1972.
Food poisoning
Although 46 cases of suspected food poisoning were
notified, after full investigation only fifteen cases were
confirmed. The causative organisms were as follows:salmonella
typhimurium (3), salmonella saint-paul (1),
salmonella muenchen (1), salmonella newport (1),
salmonella indiana (1), salmonella heidelberg (1), salmonella
thompson (4), salmonella montevideo (2), salmonella
makurira (1).
Of the 31 remaining cases notified (20 sporadic and 11
cases in 4 families) all laboratory investigations proved
negative.
Medical arrangements for long-stay immigrants
Long-stay immigrants were 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 were visited by health visitors or 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 834
immigrants but in 354 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 96 patients from the borough
were admitted as suffering from or suspected to be suffering
from infectious disease. Close contact is maintained
between the hospitals and the department of health so that
any necessary action can be taken without delay.
In accordance with the Public Health (Infectious
Diseases) Regulations, 135 admissions to the South
Middlesex Hospital of persons residing outside the borough
were referred to the department in addition to those living
in the borough.
Disinfection
Where necessary, disinfection of rooms is carried out by the
department. During the year no rooms were disinfected but
2 lots of clothing were treated before being sent abroad.
Cleansing of verminous persons and their clothing
No steam disinfecting or cleansing centre is provided in this
borough but arrangements have continued for the use of the
Disinfecting Station and Medicinal Baths, Scotts Road,
Shepherds Bush, W.12., provided by the London Borough
of Hammersmith. The borough council accepts
responsibility for payment of each treatment etc. for
residents referred to the centre.
During 1971, 46 persons were treated and in addition,
bedding and clothing was disinfected in 2 cases.
Venereal Diseases
The spread of venereal diseases continues to increase in this
country and any person, male or female, who suspects that
he or she is suffering from any of these diseases, should seek
immediate advice and treatment. Clinics are available for
both male and female patients at West Middlesex, Central
Middlesex, Hillingdon and West London Hospitals and
many other London hospitals where examinations and
treatment are given in complete privacy.
While there is no doubt that competent treatment can
control infections, the total incidence continues to grow
because of the increase in casual relationships which modern
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