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INCIDENCE OF AND CONTROL OVER INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Two hundred and twenty eight cases of notifiable diseases, other than
tuberculosis, were notified during 1964, compared with one thousand, one
hundred and thirty five cases in 1963, and five hundred cases in 1962.
Scarlet Fever Sixteen cases were notified in 1964, as against thirty
six in 1963 There were twelve cases in the first quarter, two in the second
quarter, and one in each of the third and fourth quarters. The illness
remained 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 to 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.
During 1964, one thousand, one hundred and seventy nine children
received a primary course of immunisation as follows:-
Children Born in Years:- 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1955- 1950-
1959 1954 Total
Number Immunised:- 547 510 46 13 2 55 6 1179
In addition, two thousand, three hundred and thirty three children
received reinforcing injections.
Measles One hundred and sixty four cases were notified in 1964 compared
with nine hundred and seventy six cases in 1963. There was no death
Twenty cases occurred in the first quarter, sixty seven in the second, twenty
one in the third and fifty six in the fourth quarter of the year.
The illness can be prevented or modified by the injection of gamma
globulin early in the incubation period. A small quantity is available to
doctors for cases of special risk
Health Visitors are informed of notified cases of children under five
years of age so that they may give advice where necessary.
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