View report page

Health visitors are informed of notified cases of children under five
years of age so that they may give advice where necessary.
Whooping Cough Eighty three cases were notified in 1960, compared
with thirty cases in 1959 There was no death Two-thirds of the cases
were notified in the second and third quarters of the year.
The monthly incidence of notified cases is shown in the following
table:-
January 3 July 12
February 6 August 11
March 5 September 1
April 2 October 4
May10 November 10
June 19 December 0
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 from school for twenty eight days from the
beginning of the characteristic cough. Child contacts under seven years
of age 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 Cough. Immunisation against
Whooping Cough is available tree of charge for children under five years
of age, either through the family doctor or at Child Welfare Clinics. In
1960, one thousand and forty three children received immunising injections
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. In addition, fifty eight
children were given reinforcing injections during the year.
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 is safest in
infancy and provides a basal immun ity which can be reinforced later with
reduced reaction. Vaccination is voluntary and free of charge and can be
arranged through the family doctor or at the nearest Child Welfare Centre.
It is, therefore, with some misgiving that I record the following
reduced figures for Smallpox Vaccination in 1960.
During the year, four hundred and seventy four babies under the age
of one year were vaccinated. The percentage of 45.1 compares with 65 5
in 1959 and 62.9 in 1958
44