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The work of disinfestation hag continued to be carried
out upon the lines indicated in previous Reports.
The Insecticide used was D.D.T.
SHOPS ACT.
One hundred and twentynine visits were made in connection
with Section 10 of the Shops Act, 1934.
INSPECTION OF SANITARY CONVENIENCES AT LICENCED
PLACES OF PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT.
There are 19 licensed places of Public Entertainment in
the Sutton & Cheam area. They are mainly used for cinematograph
shows, music, dancing, whist drives, singing and socials.
All the sanitary conveniences at these premises have been
inspected, and found to be generally well maintained. A few
minor defects were discovered, and action was taken for remedial
work to be put in hand forthwith.
INCIDENCE OF AND CONTROL OVER INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Six hundred and twenty-four cases of infectious disease
were notified during the year 1947, an increase of ten cases
over the number in 1946: 226 were cases of Measles, and 149
were cases of Whooping Cough. The most important features
were the high incidence of Poliomyelitis, and the low incidence
of Diphtheria.
SCARLET FEVER:- One hundred and seventy-two cases were
notified, an increase of thirty-six cases. Ten of these were
from an institution. The increase was due to an outbreak of
infection in a school. The disease was generally mild.
There was one death of an epileptic child aged 4 years, from
fits induced by the infection. The case rate was 2.11 per
1000 of population compared with 1.37 per 1000 of population
for England and Wales,
DIPHTHERIA:- Two cases were notified compared with
twenty-two in 1946. Both were adults. The case rate was
0.02 per 1000 of population compared with 0.13 per 1000 of
population in England and Wales. There was no death. It is
satisfactory to record that no case of Diphtheria occurred
among children. This is in accordance with the general
decline in incidence and fatality as a result of immunisation.
The Diphtheria bacillus has not been eliminated. The number
of carriers in the community is unaltered, and the virulent
germ still lurks in our midst ready to penetrate any weakness
in our armour of immunisation. It is well for parents to
ensure that their children are immunised in early infancy, and
reinforced regularly at intervals of not more than four years,
DIPHTHERIA ANTITOXIN:- The early diagnosis of cases of
Diphtheria, and their early treatment with Diphtheria Antitoxin
are the greatest safeguards against mortality. Medical
practitioners should administer large doses of antitoxin on
suspicion of infection and while awaiting bacteriological
confirmation of diagnosis. Otherwise, suspected cases should
25.