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A higher proportion of the cases than usual was of
children un'er the age of five, and suggests a lowering
of the standard of protection of the young child in the
homes, which can he attributed, to war conditions. Young
children are very susceptible, and every effort should
be made to defer infection as long as possible. Every
year gained lessens the risk of mortality. Complications
can only be avoided by the most careful nursing during
the acute phase of the illness.
WHOOPING COUGH Whooping cough was less prevalent.
Ninety one cases were notified, a reduction of eleven

Whooping Cough is a disease of young children. Sixty
per cent of the cases were of children under five. The
first year of life is a period of high fatality. Two
fifths of all deaths occur in children under the age of
one year, and nine tenths of deaths occur in children
under five years. It is important in the prevention of
mortality that infection should be deferred for as long
as possible, and that the serious risk of the illness in
early childhood should be reduced by the careful nursing
of cases, and the avoidance of complications.
PUERPERAL FYREXIA - Eleven cases were notified compared
with six during the previous year. The case rate was
9,01 per 1000 total births compared with 11,68 per 1000
total births for England and wales.
The early notification of Puerperal Pyrexia is of
primary importance in the- prevention of Maternal
Mortality. Medical practitioners should make the
fullest use of the consultant, bacteriological, and
hospital services provided by the authority and secure
the immediate and effective isolation of any suspected
case occurring in a maternity home,
TYPHOID FEVER Two cases of Typhoid -^ever and one
case of Paratyphoid Fever were notified. There was no
death. Investigation did not reveal any source of
infection within this district.
DYSENTERY One case of Sonne Dysentery was notified.
Mild and transient cases of gastro enteritis are frequently
due to infection with Sonne Dysentery, To establish
diagnosis in such cases, early bacteriological examinations
are necessary, A high standard of hygiene in persons
engaged in the handling of food is the best form of
prevention.
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