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WHOOPING COUGH:- There was an increase in the incidence of
Whooping Cough, One hundred and forty-three cases were notified
during 1946, compared with forty-two cases in 1945. Of these
cases nineteen were from an institution. There was no death.
The case rate was 1.81 per 1000 of population, compared with
2.28 per 1000 of population for England and Wales.

The incidence of Whooping Cough falls most heavily on very
young children. One of the main problems is the protection of
babies under one year of age, for whom the illness if always
serious, and to whom immunisation by injection is not yet
applicable. Young babies should be protected from infection
for as long as possible in the hope that they may escape
infection until they are older and stronger and more able to
withstand the protracted and debilitating illness. Bronchopneumonia
is a constant danger and careful nursing and careful
convalescence are essential.
IMMUNISATION AGAINST WHOOPING COUGH:- The scheme of immunisation
is restricted to the children between 1 year and 5 years of the
poorer inhabitants, to weakly children, and to children from
overcrowded homes. During 1946, 111 children received injections
making a total of 200 children treated since the scheme was
introduced in 1945. It is estimated that immunity does not
develop fully until four months have elapsed from the time of
injection, and the success of the scheme has to be judged on
this basis. At the end of 1946, two immunised children were
reported to have contracted Whooping Cough, One case was mild
and the other of moderate intensity. With the small numbers
so far recorded, it is not possible to estimate the value of
the injections. The material used is Bacillus Pertussis, 'S'
Vaccine, 20 million bacilli per c.c. The dose given is 0.4 c.c.
in four doses, three at weekly intervals, and the fourth one
month later. It has been found convenient and satisfactory to
combine the vaccine with Toxoid Antitoxin Floccules (T.A.F) as
a diluting fluid and for combining immunisation against
Diphtheria.
PUERPERAL PYREXIA:- Seven cases were notified in 1946,
compared with two cases in 1945. The case rate was 4.93 per
1000 total births, compared with 8.50 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.
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