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TUBERCULOSIS
On 31st December 1955 there were on the register nine
hundred and forty six cases of Tuberculosis, of whom eight
hundred and seventeen were Pulmonary cases and one hundred and
twenty nine non-Pulmonary cases.
The total death rate from Tuberculosis was 0.05 per thousand
of population, compared with 0.11 per thousand of population In
1954 The death rate for Pulmonary Tuberculosis was 0.04 and
for non-Pulmonary Tuberculosis 0.01 per thousand of population.
For England and Wales the rate for Pulmonary Tuberculosis was
0.13 and for non-Pulmonary Tuberculosis 0.02 per thousand of
population.
The number of new cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis was fifty,
compared with sixty one In 1954. Reduction In Incidence and
mortality are welcome signs that the advances In diagnosis and
treatment are beginning to control the Infection. Progress
depends on the Intensity of the search for hidden sources and on
the early diagnosis of new cases.
The deepest pool of Infection Is likely to remain among the
elderly and the aged. Elderly people with chronic cough should
be encouraged to have X-Ray examination of the chest. The most
vulnerable to Infection are the Infants and adolescents. All
adults who are closely associated with the teaching and training
of young people In schools and clubs should avail themselves of
the opportunities for Mass X-Ray Progressive Improvement In
housing Is essential for the reduction of Infection and for
consolidating cure of the disease.
Six new cases of non-Pulmonary Tuberculosis were notified,
compared with seven cases In 1954. Infections of glands, bones
and Joints and serous membranes are due to the bovine or human
type of the bacillus. In this Borough all milk Is pasteurised
or designated.
The scheme for the protection of school children at the age
of thirteen years by B.C.G. Vaccine against Tuberculosis has an
average response of sixty six per cent. The prevention of disease
in the adolescent Is of supreme Importance to parents and to the
community
The Tuberculosis Care Committee has continued to give advice,
comfort and support to many patients and families. There are
signs that the number of cases of serious physical and social
disablement Is being reduced but the domiciliary treatment of
early cases has Increased The need for care and after care
remains. Patients are given additional nourishment, clothing
bedding and relief from anxieties Grants are made to provide
occupational therapy and to prepare patients to enter new
occupations. Children, wives and convalescent patients are given
holidays. The work Is and will remain an Important part of
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