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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 and ensure the effective
isolation of any suspected case occurring In a nursing home.
Typhoid and Paratyphoid Fever, One case Of Typhoid Fever
was notified. The patient, a woman aged 21 years, who had
arrived on holiday suffering from early symptoms was Immediately
removed to hospital. Her recovery was complete. There was no
secondary case.
Dysentery. Forty three cases were notified compared with
one hundred and six cases In 1951. Twenty seven cases occurred
within an Institution for children. All were of the Sonne type,
which Is endemic, and produces outbreaks of Infectious gastro
enteritis. The Intensity of the Illness varies from mild
abdominal discomfort to severe diarrhoea. Mild ambulant cases
are frequently the carriers of Infection. Food handlers who
suffer In any degree from symptoms of gastro enteritis have a
duty to attend their doctor and to ensure by bacteriological
examination that they are free from Intestinal Infection.
Food Poisoning. Twenty cases were notified and ten were
ascertained as a result of Investigations. There were three
outbreaks of three, five and thirteen cases and nine single cases.
The sources of Infection of ten cases were outside the Borough.
No. of No. of No. of Organisms or Pood Involved
Outbreaks Cases Deaths other agents
1 5 - s. Enterltldls Not ascertained
1 3 - S. Typhi Murium Tinned salmon
sandwiches
1 13 - Staphylococcus
Aureus Cheese souffle
The largest outbreak of thirteen cases occurred In a
residential home and was due to bacterial overgrowth of a cheese
souffle 'kept warm' for eight hours. The keeplng'warm for a
prolonged period of any food which may be a good medium for the
growth of bacteria Is dangerous.
Of the nine single cases seven were due to S. Typhi Murium,
one to S. Orlenberg and In one case the organism was not
Identified. In six the exact food Involved could not be
ascertained, but In three, steak pie, pineapple Juice, and fruit
melba, were related to Infection.
The occurrence of these cases of food poisoning emphasises
the need for meticulous care by all who handle and prepare food.
Those who sell cooked meats and other foods which will not be
subjected to heat treatment In the home must learn to avoid
touching these foods unnecessarily with their hands. TheByelaws
require the protection of food from any form of contamination.
The washing of hands particularly after the use of the w.C. is
the most Important protective measure against dangerous Intestinal
Infections. 33