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6
PART I
CONTROL OF DISEASE
The present century has seen a reduction in the incidence
of many infectious diseases and in the case of some, such as
smallpox, typhoid fever and diphtheria, an almost complete
disappearance. The occurrence however of small epidemics of
these diseases points to the need for the public health services
to be ever mindful of a possible outbreak and to keep before the
public the known means for protection against them.
Other infectious diseases such as food-poisoning and poliomyelitis
have shown an increase in recent years; calling for
prompt recognition and action by the public health department.
Many non-infectious diseases also appear to be on the
increase particularly cancer and such "stress" diseases as peptic
ulcer, coronary thrombosis and psychoneurosis. The actual
increase is difficult to assess as none of them is notifiable and
mortality figures alone cannot give a true picture of their
incidence.
The underlying cause of the "stress" diseases is not fully
understood but lies within the social and working environment of
the individual. Control necessitates study of the social and
economic environment''as well as the physical.
Tuberculosis
The Public Health (Tuberculosis) Regulations, 1952, came into
force on the 1st May, 1952, replacing those made in 1932. The
statutory obligation for the Medical Officer of Health to keep a