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INCIDENCE OF AND CONTROL OVER INFECTIOUS DISEASES
One thousand two hundred and eighty eight cases of infectious
diseases were notified during 1955-, an increase of eight hundred
and sixty three cases. This increase is mainly due to a severe
epidemic of Measles. The incidence of Poliomyelitis was high
and Whooping Cough was more prevalent. There was a decrease in
Scarlet Fever and Dysentery.
Scarlet Fever Fifty nine cases were notified, a decrease
of twenty three cases. The case rate was 0.75 per thousand of
population, compared with 0.73 per thousand of population for
England and Wales. The illness was generally mild. There was
no death
Diphtheria- No case was notified. The continuance of
freedom from this serious Infection is dependent on a high
standard of Immunisation being attained
Diphtheria Antitoxin. It must not be forgotten that
Diphtheria Antitoxin is life saving in cases of DiphtheriaAntitoxin
should be given on suspicion of infection. Otherwise
the suspected case should be admitted to hospital at once for
observation and treatment. Penicillin will kill the Diphtheria
bacillus but will not counteract toxin. Swabs for diagnosis
must be taken before any antibiotic is given.
Diphtheria Immunisation, It Is important that the public
should not become preoccupied with immunisation against prevalent
diseases and forget the need for protection against Diphtheria
The local absence of cases can induce apathy. If we allow the
immunity of the child population to decline Diphtheria can return
as a serious menace
Diphtheria Immunisation has had spectacular success in the
reduction of incidence and mortality as is shown by the following
figures for England and Wales,
Year Cases Deaths
1948 3,575 156
1955 161 11
The greatest danger of mortality is in babies and in Infants
under five years. All babies should be immunised at the fourth
month of age. Infants should be reinforced before they enter
nursery school or day school. School children should be reinforced
at the age of eight years. A complete cooperative effort could
eliminate the residue of cases and deaths. Immunisation is
available to every child, free of charge, either through the
family doctor or at the nearest Child Welfare Clinic.
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