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Infectious Diseases
The routine measures in force for the prevention and
control of infectious disease continue and there were no significant
outbreaks which it is necessary to report. Although not markedly
apparent locally, there is a national increase in the incidence of
venereal disease and it is wise to consider where the present rise is
going to lead. There will almost certainly be a need for increased
treatment and contact tracing services. Venereal disease can develop
in two days or may not make itself apparent for much longer periods and
an intensive epidemiological effort will be necessary if the disease
is to be controlled. Basically this can be achieved by the philosophy
of one man-one woman and the permissive attitude of modern society
belittles the efforts of health education and religious teaching in
this respect. It is to be hoped that the present rise in incidence
can be halted by methods other than those which have been found necessary
in some countries in the past which involve compulsory treatment and
examination of contacts.
The year closed amid much talk of major re-organisation
not only of Local Government but of National Health, Welfare and Social
Services generally. In the final event the effectiveness of Family
Services depends upon the integrity and devotion to duty of individual
people who are members of staff of the departments concerned. I have
no doubt that whatever the outcome of present discussions may be
those most intimately concerned will continue to discharge their duties
in the same loyal spirit of service which they have displayed during
this and previous years.
P.WESTCOMBE, M.B., B.S., D.P.H.,
Medical Officer of Health
Principal School Medical Officer
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