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TUBERCULOSIS.
On the 31st December, 1949, there were on the Register
833 cases of Tuberculosis, of whom 678 were Pulmonary cases
and 155 non-Pulmonary cases. The death rate from
Pulmonary Tuberculosis was 0.25 per 1,000 of population, and
for non-Pulmonary Tuberculosis 0.04 per 1,000 of population.
The total death rate for Tuberculosis was 0.29 per 1,000 of
population, compared with 0.39 per 1,000 of population in
1948. Corresponding death rates for England and Wales in
1949 were: Pulmonary, 0.40 per 1,000 of population; nonPulmonary,
0.05 per 1,000 of population; total rate, 0.45 per
1,000 of population.
The number of new cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis was
69, compared with 50 in 1948. The number of new cases of
non-Pulmonary Tuberculosis was 6, compared with 13 in
1948.
The death rate from Tuberculosis has shown a gradual
decline since 1945, and the rate for 1949 is the lowest
recorded. The proportion of new pulmonary cases being
diagnosed in the early stages of illness is steadily increasing,
and the prospect of cure is enhanced by modern methods of
treatment. The progressive reduction of infection is
dependent on housing development, and the provision of more
adequate accommodation in hospitals and sanatoria for the
treatment of early cases.
The occurrence of cases of non-pulmonary Tuberculosis
is a constant reminder that general control of the National
milk supply by pasteurisation or designation is urgently
necessary. Within this Borough all milk sold is already
efficiently pasteurised or designated.
The Tuberculosis Care Committee continued the valuable
work of helping patients to overcome social and domestic
difficulties, and had particular satisfaction in being able to
participate in the Surrey Scheme to provide holidays for
children who are contacts of the disease. The Committee was
greatly helped by the energy and interest of Mr. Stevens, the
Almoner for Tuberculosis.
The Scheme for allowances to patients operated
beneficially.
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