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the possibilities of spread of infection. Health visitors and public health inspectors have played an invaluable
role in health education and in improving hygiene.
A summary of notified and confirmed cases for 1966 and 1967 is shown in Table 5.
Diphtheria
Two confirmed cases of diphtheria (mitis non-toxic)—husband and wife— occurred in the Borough.
In spite of extensive enquiries, the source of the infection was not traced.
Dysentery
There were 120 confirmed cases—a slight increase on the previous year. A small outbreak occurred
at Kilburn Square Day Nursery. Six children were positive, but no members of the staff were involved. The
outbreak was cleared up within six weeks.
Food Poisoning
The number of confirmed cases was 39. There were no general outbreaks of food poisoning in the
Borough. Eight cases contracted the infection whilst on holiday abroad and another 20 were residents involved
in two outbreaks originating outside the Borough.
Measles
2,564 cases were notified compared with 1,985 in 1966. There was an appreciable drop in the number
of notifications during the latter half of the year.
Poliomyelitis
Two cases were notified but not confirmed.
Puerperal Pyrexia
65 cases were notified, which was a considerable decrease compared with 1966 (114).
Smallpox
There were no notified cases in the Borough, but as a result of suspected cases in other boroughs, 66
contacts were kept under surveillance.
In accordance with the International Sanitary Regulations the signatures of doctors on 8,715 certificates
were authenticated.
Typhoid and Paratyphoid
Three cases of typhoid were confirmed. One case was a man of 42 years, a resident of Brent.
Extensive enquiries were made but the source of infection was not traced. Another, an African student of 18
years, was taken ill on the plane from Kenya and admitted to Neasden Hospital immediately on arrival. The
third case was a resident of Paddington admitted to Neasden Hospital. In each instance contacts were kept
under strict surveillance.
There were no cases of Paratyphoid notified.
Whooping Cough
163 cases were notified, a considerable increase on previous year (77).
Ophthalmia Neonatorum
There was no impairment of vision in either of the 2 notified cases of ophthalmia neonatorum.
HEALTH EDUCATION
Requests for health talks, information on health subjects, and the services provided by the Department
have again increased this year. 220 talks were given in Brent schools most of them including film shows.
Doctors, dentists, public health inspectors, health visitors and mental welfare officers were among the varied
professional staff who carried out these lectures.
47 talks were given to outside groups and associations, and professional bodies requested 73 lectures.
675 mothercraft classes and instructional demonstrations were carried out in the Clinics mostly by health
visitors and midwives.
Posters and leaflets in Clinics and other sites were changed each month, a new subject being introduced
each time. As the attendance at cervical cytology clinics was disappointing, particular support was
given to this service.
A four page leaflet on drugs and drug taking was issued to all school heads for the guidance of
teachers.
General practitioners, shop and factory personnel, and students were among the personal callers for
posters and leaflets on hygiene, dangerous plants and shrubs, etc.
A large exhibition of the Department's services was displayed at the "Welcome to Citizenship" held
in February. Professional staff were in attendance and answered many questions on health and welfare matters.
The Department was also represented at the Brent Show.
The nationally sponsored Mental Health Week was supported in co-operation with the National
Society for Mentally Handicapped Children. The Mayor opened a large exhibition in Anson Hall which was
available for the week. The Chief Mental Welfare Officer gave talks to groups of children who visited the
exhibition, and one group from the Convent of Jesus & Mary met children from the Neasden Junior Training
Centre. Thanks are due to the Press and local shopkeepers who helped to advertise the exhibition, and to a