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TUBERCULOSIS
On the 31st December, 1963. there were on the register six hundred
and thirty one cases of tuberculosis, of whom five hundred and seventy
were pulmonary and sixty one non-pulmonary.
There was no death from pulmonary tuberculosis in 1963, compared
with one in 1962. There was one death from non-pulmonary tuberculosis,
as against none in 1962. The total death rate from tuberculosis was 0 013
per thousand of population, the same as in 1962. For England and Wales
the death rate was 0.063 per thousand of population (0.056 per thousand
for pulmonary tuberculosis and 0 007 per thousand for non-pulmonary
tuberculosis).
The number of new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis was fourteen, as
in 1962. Residual foci of infection still persist, particularly among the
middle aged and elderly, and intensive search will be necessary to
eliminate the disease. The use of B.C.G. vaccine in adolescent children
gives a high measure of protection. Four hundred and seventy nine
children received injections in 1963, and nine children were found to be
Mantoux positive. The response rate in the thirteen year age group was
69.8 per cent.
Four new cases of non-pulmonary tuberculosis were notified in 1963,
compared with five in 1962.
The Sutton and Cheam Tuberculosis and Chest Care Committee
continued their valuable work in providing assistance to both tuberculosis
and other chest patients and their families throughout the year. Additional
nourishment, clothing, bedding and fuel were provided where necessary,
and no needy case goes without help. Grants were made to provide
occupational therapy, and holidays were arranged for children, mothers,
and convalescent patients. The Chairman is Mrs. F Smyth, J.P., and the
Hon.Secretary is County Alderman Mrs. Margaret Walkden, O.B.E., J.P.,
9 All Saints Road, Sutton.