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inci.dcnce in the inoculated group has been 1 in 103. The
inoidanoe in the corresponding age group 1-5 years in the
genral population during 1947 was 1 in 64. Thus there may
be some reduction in incidence attributable to the vaccine.
The malerial used is Bacillus Pertussis 'S' vaccine, 20 millions
percent The dose given is 0,5 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 Floncules as a diluting agent and for
combining immunisation against Diphtheria, This combination
has been free from reactions.
PUERPERAL PYREXIA Seven cases were notified in 1947, the
same number as in 1946. The case rate was 4.74 per 1000 total
births, compared with 7,16 per 1000 total births for England
and Wales,
The early notification of Puerperal Pyrexia is of primary
imoortance 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 AND PARATYPHOID FEVERS:- One case of Typhoid Fever
and one case of Paratyphoid Fever were notified. No source of
infection was found in this Borough, Both cases recovered.
DYSENTERY:- Three cases were notified in 1947, compared
with thirty-five cases in 1946. Two were of the Flexner type
and one of the Sonne type. The cases are a warning to all
engaged in the handling and distribution of food that carriers
exist and that scrupulous cleanliness of the hands of all
parsons dealing with food is essential for the prevention not
only of this disease, but of all enteric infections and other
forms of food poisoning derived from dirty hands,
FOOD POISONING:- During the year twenty-eight persons suffered
from acule Staphylococcal food poisoning which could have been
prevented by reasonable care on the part of manufacturers or
purveyors of food. There were two outbreaks, one derived from
cooked meat infected in a factory outside this Borough, and the
other from a trifle prepared in a restaurant within this Borough.
Symptoms were severe in some cases for 48 hours, and weakness
lasted for over a week. Proprietors and managers of premises
where food is prepared and distributed for human consumption
must be made to realise their high responsibility to the general
public, and to ensure that all persons employed in the handling
of food give adequate care and attention to the cleanliness of
their persons, clothing, and in particular to the proper
cleansing of their hands, especially after defaecation, and
before touching food, and that their premises and utensils are
thoroughly cleansed to prevent bacterial contamination, and that
refrigerators are used intelligently for the suppression of
bacterial growth on foods, particularly during hot summer
weather. An instructive circular in these terms, and calling
attention to obligations under Section 13 of the Food and Drugs
Act, 1938, was sent to all purveyors of food in the Borough.
CEREPRO-SPINAL FEVER Four cases were notified. These were
Sporacde and not interconnected. All were severe, and all
recovered,
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