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38
Scarlet Fever
The incidence of scarlet fever remained about the average expected in recent
years. There were 60 notified cases and the disease continued to be of the mildtype
with few complications and no deaths.
Measles
The incidence of this disease continues to have its biennial cycle, 1961 being a
year of high incidence. There were 1,722 notifications compared with 246 in the
previous year. No deaths arose from this cause.
Whooping Cough
This is a most distressing disease especially when it affects very young children,
and parents are strongly advised to take advantage of the immunisation facilities
which are available. The effects of previous immunisation campaigns are now becoming
apparent and only 10 cases were notified in 1961, the lowest recorded for the Borough
for any year since the disease was made notifiable in 1940. No deaths from whooping
cough were recorded.
Food Poisoning
There were 21 notified cases of food poisoning and the agent giving rise to the
illness was identified in thirteen instances. The causes were salmonella "yphi
murium 10; salmonella newport 1; salmonella anatum 1 and staphlococci 1.
Dysentery
There were only 11 cases of dysentery compared with 66 in 1960. The disease is
generally of a mild character but may be more serious in the very young or the very
old.
Staff Medical Examinations
During the year 104 candidates for appointment to the Superannuation Scheme were
medically examined. Four failed to pass for the reasons below
1. Tuberculosis
2. Chronic Bronchitis
3. Hypertension, Bronchitis and nervous debility
4. Neurasthenia and Varucose Dermatitis
Special medical reports are made on staff whose sickness exceeds 72 days. In
some cases an employee may be permanently or temporarily unfit for his appointed duties,
and has to be transferred to lighter work. Such cases are subject to periodic review.
If the disability is permanent and too severe for any light work, then the only course
left is to recommend retirement on the grounds of permanent disability.
5 cases were recommended for lighter duties
4 cases were superannuated