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INCIDENCE OF AND CONTROL OVER INFECTIOUS DISEASES
One thousand, one hundred and thirty five cases of notifiable diseases,
other than tuberculosis, were notified during 1963, compared with five
hundred cases in 1962, and one thousand, two hundred and sixty eight in
1961.
Scarlet Fever. Thirty six cases were notified in 1963, as against
thirty in 1962. There were six cases in the first guarter, fifteen in the
second guarter, eight in the third guarter and seven in the fourth guarter.
The illness was generally mild and there were no deaths.
The less exacting control of Scarlet Fever continued, thus causing
less interference with school attendance of cases and contacts, and is
justified whilst the illness remains so mild.
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 still always
be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of infections of the throat
The early injection of antitoxin is the most effective treatment of
Diphtheria. Swabs for diagnosis should be taken before any antibiotic is
administered. Any suspected cases are best admitted to isolation hospital
at once for diagnosis and treatment.
Diphtheria Immunisation. Diphtheria Immunisation has again been
shown to be very necessary by a number of small outbreaks of Diphtheria
in the country, including the London area. Children should be immunised
before the age of twelve months, and if Triple Antigen is used, which is
very desirable, immunisation should be started as early as the second or
third month, with reinforcing doses at fifteen tc eighteen months, school
entry, and at age eight to ten years. Immunisation is free of charge for
children under sixteen years of age, and can be arranged through the
family doctor or at Child Welfare and School Clinics.

In addition, one thousand, one hundred and forty five children
received reinforcing injections.
Measles. Nine hundred and seventy six cases were notified in 1963,
compared with four hundred and twenty two cases in 1962. There was no
death. Six hundred and thirty two of the cases were notified during the
first guarter of the year.
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