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TUBERCULOSis
On 31st December 1954 there were on the register nine
hundred and thirty six cases of Tuberculosis, of whom seven
hundred and ninety seven were Pulmonary cases and one hundred
and thirty nine non-Pulmonary cases. The total death rate from
Tuberculosis was 0.11 per thousand of population, compared with
0.17 per thousand of population in 1953. The death rate for
Pulmonary Tuberculosis was 0. 08 and for non-Pulmonary Tuberculosis
0 03 per thousand of population. The corresponding rates for
England and Wales were Pulmonary Tuberculosis 0,16 and nonPulmonary
Tuberculosis 0.02 per thousand of population.
The number of new cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis was sixty
one, compared with seventy four in 1953. This reduction in the
number of new cases may indicate a lessening of infection. The
intensive work of the Chest Physicians at Clinics and with Mass
Radiography Units is achieving success in the diagnosis of early
cases which can be cured and new drugs and advances in chest
surgery are reducing the lnfectlvlty of more advanced cases.
Seven cases of non-Pulmonary Tuberculosis were notified,
compared with six in 1953. These cases represent infections of
glands, bones and Joints, and serous membranes. They are caused
either by the bovine or human type of bacillus. The incidence
of bovine infections has been greatly reduced by pasteurisation
and designation of milk.
A scheme for protective B. C. G. Vaccination against
Tuberculosis for school children at the age of thirteen years
was introduced in 1954. The response was good. It is important
that the adolescent who is most liable to the acute pneumonic
type of the disease should be protected by B.C.G. Vaccine.
Elimination of the disease is dependent on progressive
improvement in housing and social conditions.
The Tuberculosis Care Committee has continued to give help
to many patients and many families in the Borough. Extra
nourishment, comforts and clothing are very important to those
whose incomes are reduced by Illness. During recovery patients
need encouragement and support. Relatives are helped to visit
patients regularly by payment of fares. The children are given
holidays. Grants are made to enable convalescent patients to
continue occupational therapy or to provide training in new
occupations suitable to their disability. Tuberculosis is often
a long illness requiring prolonged treatment before cure is
effected. The help given by the Care Committee removes anxieties
and accelerates cure. The services of the members are highly
appreciated. The Hon. Secretary is County Alderman Mrs. Margaret
Walkden, J. P., 9, All Saints Road, Sutton.
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