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INCIDENCE OF AND CONTROL OVER INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Nine hundred and fifteen cases of infectious diseases were
notified during 1957, compared with five hundred and six cases
in 1956. This increase was due to a higher incidence of Measles,
Whooping Cough and Pneumonia. There were decreases in Scarlet
Fever, Dysentery and Food Poisoning. No case of Diphtheria was
notified. A severe epidemic of Influenza occurred in the Autumn.
Scarlet Fever. Fifty five cases were notified, a decrease
often cases. Hie case rate was 0.70 per thousand of population,
compared with 0.66 per thousand of population for England and
Wales. The illness was generally mild. There was no death.
Diphtheria. No case was notified. This records the value
of immunisation.
Diphtheria Antitoxin. The possibility Of Diphtheria must
always be kept In mind in the differential diagnosis of infections
of the throat. The early injection of antitoxin is the only
effective treatment of Diphtheria. Swabs for diagnosis should be
taken before any antibiotic is administered. Any suspected cases
should be given antitoxin at once or admitted to isolation
hospital for diagnosis and treatment.
Diphtheria Immunisation. During this period when we are
preoccupied with vaccination against Poliomyelitis, a high standard
of immunity against Diphtheria must be maintained. Diphtheria
is also a dangerous disease. The incidence has been remarkably
reduced by immunisation. In 1948 there were three thousand five
hundred and seventy five cases in England and Wales. In 1957
there were forty cases. Immunisation is safe, simple and effective.
Every child should be immunised before the age of nine months.
Reinforcement injections are necessary before entry to nursery
school or day school and again at the age of eight to nine years.
Immunisation is free of charge and can be arranged through the
family doctor or at child welfare clinics.
During 1957 seven hundred and ninety children were immunised
and their ages at the dates of Immunisation were as follows:-
Age: Under 1 1 2 3 4 5-9 10-14 Over 15 Total
Number Immunised; 554 112 40 23 15 39 6 1 790
Six hundred and forty five children received reinforcing
injections.
A survey at the end of 1957 of the state of immunisation
of nine hundred and three babies born in 1956 showed that six
hundred and twenty nine, representing 69 per cent.,had been
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