View report page

INCIDENCE OF AND CONTROL OVER INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Five hundred and six cases of infectious diseases were
notified during 1956, compared with one thousand two hundred and
eighty eight cases in 1955. This decrease was mainly due to a
lower prevalence of Measles and Whooping Cough. There was an
increase of Dysentery, Food Poisoning and Scarlet Fever.
Twelve cases of Poliomyelitis were notified. One case of
Typhoid and one of Paratyphoid Fever occurred. There was no
case of Diphtheria,
Scarlet Fever. Sixty five cases were notified, an increase
of six cases. The case rate was 0.82 per thousand of population,
compared with 0.74 per thousand of population for England and
Wales. The illness was generally mild. There was no death.
Diphtheria. No case was notified. Continued freedom from
this dangerous Infection depends on the completeness of
immunisation.
Diphtheria Antitoxin. The early diagnosis and early
treatment of Diphtheria are essential to prevent mortality.
Antitoxin is the only effective treatment and should be given
on suspicion of infection. Otherwise any suspected case should
be admitted to hospital at once for observation and treatment.
Swabs for the diagnosis of Diphtheria must be taken before any
antibiotic is administered.
Diphtheria imraunisation. Every child in every family
requires the protection given by immunisation. Diphtheria has
been suppressed but not eliminated. During 1956 fifty one
cases occurred in England and Wales. Parents are rightly eager
to protect their children against prevalent diseases, but
should not forget that Diphtheria still lurks in the background
and must be kept under control while attacks on other infections
are being launched. Diphtheria immunisation is still saving
many lives and much disablement. All babies should be immunised
before the age of nine months. Infants should receive reinforcing
injections before they enter nursery school or day school.
School children should be reinforced at the age of eight years.
Immunisation is free of charge to every child either through
the family doctor or at the nearest Child Welfare Clinic,