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will often diminish the Illness If given In the early phase of
cough before the 1 whoop' develops, and will reduce the lnfectlvlty
of a patient and help to protect Immediate contacts. Early
diagnosis can be assisted by the use of cough plates or pharyngeal
swabs for Identification of the Infection. Careful nursing and
careful convalescence of cases of Whooping Cough are always
necessary.
Immunisation against Whooping Cough, Improved Vaccines are
now available for the prevention of Whooping Cough. In August
1952 the Surrey County council Introduced a scheme for the
Immunisation of children under 5 years. In 1952, three hundred
and seventy four children received Immunising Injections. The
material used is H. Pertussis suspended Vaccine (20,000 million
bacilli per c.c.). Three injections of 1 c.c. are given at
monthly Intervals. The Injections are given subcutaneously to
minimise the risk of muscle Irritation which can predispose a
muscle to paralysis In children who are Incubating Poliomyelitis.
Small Pox. No case was notified.
Vaccination. Vaccination gives effective protection
against an all Pox. The speed of travel and the growing number
of travellers have Increased the danger of the introduction of
Snail Pox. Vigilance and preparation are necessary. Infant
vaccination provides a basic Immunity which reduces the risk of
mortality and facilitates revacclnatlon In later years. In 1952
the percentage of babies vaccinated under one year was 53*2
compared with 55*8 per cent in 1951. All babies should be
vaccinated between three and six months, the safest age for
vaccination. The service Is free of charge, and easily available
through medical practitioners and clinics.

Puerperal Pyrexia. Sixteen cases were notified in 1952
compared with six In 1951. The Increase Is a response to the
revised definition of Puerperal Pyrexia In the Puerperal Pyrexia
Regulations 1951 which made notifiable any febrile condition
occurring In a woman In whom a temperature of 100,4* Fahrenheit
(38' Centigrade) or more has occurred within fourteen days after
childbirth. The case rate was 17.82 per thousand total births
compared with 17.87 per thousand total births for England and
Wales. 32