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INCIDENCE OF AND CONTROL OVER INFECTIOUS DISEASES
One thousand, seven hundred and thirty eight cases of
Infectious diseases were notified during 1959, compared with two
hundred and fifty five cases in 1958.
Scarlet Fever. Two hundred and ninety four cases were
notified In 1959 as against fifty nine in 1958. The case rate
was 3.71 per thousand of population. The incidence was highest
in the second and fourth Quarters, there being fifty six cases in
the first Quarter, one hundred and three in the second Quarter,
thirty one in the third Quarter, and one hundred and four in the
fourth Quarter of the year. Three-fifths of the cases occurred
in the age range five to ten years.
The illness was generally mild and there were no deaths.
Although Scarlet Fever can be a preventable disease, the
present mildness of the condition, with earlier return to school,
very often under three weeks, and no exclusion of contacts,
renders prevention impossible. It is widely considered
unnecessary to take more stringent action at present.
Diphtheria. No case was notified during the year. The last
case in Sutton and Cheam occurred in 1951.
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 admitted to isolation hospital at once for diagnosis
and treatment.
Diphtheria Immunisation. During the latter part of 1958 and
In 1959 there were sizeable outbreaks of Diphtheria in the London
area necessitating vigorous action to prevent spread, involving
throat swabbing in schools. This is very near at hand and it
behoves us in Sutton and Cheam to maintain or increase our
diphtheria immunisation rate, which at present gives us no
grounds for complacency. Diphtheria is still a danger. Immunisation
is safe, simple and effective. Every child should be
immunised before the age of twelve months, and if triple antigen
is used, can be started as early as the third month. Reinforcing
doses are required at first entry to school and again between the
ages of eight and ten years. Immunisation is free of charge and
can be arranged through the family doctor or at Child Welfare
Clinics.
During 1959 one thousand one hundred and thirty two 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: 625 204 29 8 13 53 - - 1132
Eight hundred and twenty one children received reinforcing
lnjections.
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