London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Sutton and Cheam 1959
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Sutton and Cheam]
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The monthly incidence of notified cases is shown in the following table:-
| January | 2 | July | 4 |
| February | - | August | 1 |
| March | 3 | September | 1 |
| April | 3 | October | - |
| May | 5 | November | 2 |
| June | 9 | December | - |
Whooping Cough is a serious infection in early infancy. The
cough imposes a severe strain on the lung tissues. The danger
of mortality is highest in the first three months of life and
diminishes with age. Every effort should be made to protect
babies and weakly infants from contact with infection. The
vaccines give substantial protection. Immunisation should
commence not later than three months of age.
Cases are excluded for twenty eight days from the beginning
of the characteristic cough. Children under seven years should
be excluded for twenty one days from the date of onset of a case
in their home if they have not had the disease.
Health Visitors are informed of notified cases of children
under five years of age so that they may give advice where
necessary.
Immunisation against Whooping Coughs. Immunisation against
Whooping Cough is available free of charge for children under
five years of age, either through the family doctor or at Child
Welfare Clinics. In 1959 one thousand and twenty nine children
received immunising injections. The material used was H. Pertussis
suspended vaccine (20,000 million bacilli per c.c.). Three
injections of 1 c. c. are given at monthly intervals. The
Injections are given subcutaneously, either separately or
combined with immunisation against Diphtheria, or Diphtheria and
Tetanus. Forty one children were given reinforcing injections
during 1959.
Smallpox. No case was notified.
Vaccination against Smallpox. The speed Of travel has
increased the risk of Smallpox being imported. Our protection
depends on vaccination. There is no drug which will cure the
illness. Vaccination in infancy provides a basal immunity which
can be reinforced later with reduced reaction. Vaccination is
safest in infancy. Vaccination is voluntary and free of charge
and can be arranged through the family doctor or at the nearest
Child Welfare Centre.
In 1959 six hundred and seventy seven babies under the age
of one year were vaccinated. The percentage of 65.5 compares
with 62.9 in 1958 and 56.9 in 1957.
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