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TUBERCULOSIS
On 31st December 1952 there were on the register nine
hundred and thirty cases of Tuberculosis, of whom seven hundred
and seventy four were Pulmonary cases and one hundred and fifty
six non-pulmonary cases. The death rate from Pulmonary Tuberculosis
was 0.21 per thousand of population and 0.03 per thousand
of population for non-pulmonary Tuberculosis. The total death
rate was 0.24 per thousand of population, the same as In 1951.
The corresponding death rates for England and Wales In 1952 were
similar.
The number of new cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis was seventy,
compared with seventy four In 1951. The number of new cases of
non-pulmonary Tuberculosis was three, compared with ten In 1951.
Considerable progress has been made In recent years In the
treatment of Tuberculosis by new drugs and antibiotics and by
surgery. Expectation of cure Is higher and suppression of
infection more effective. Mass X-Ray Is helping to find early
cases and to search out hidden foci of Infection. Prevention by
B.C.G. vaccine has a wide field of application as yet untouched.
Progressive Improvement In housing Is essential for the reduction
of Infection.
A reduction In non-pulmonary Tuberculosis Is being achieved
by the Tuberculin testing of dairy herds and by the Introduction
of "specified" areas where all milk Is required to be pasteurised
or designated, as has been the practice In this Borough for many
years.
The Tuberculosis Care Committee has given substantial help
during the year to many patients and to many families. Clothing,
bedding, extra nourishment and many other needs for reablement
have been liberally provided. The scheme for holidays for
children has been supported. The work of the members of this
voluntary committee Is greatly appreciated.
The scheme for allowances to patients has operated
beneficially.
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