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With the single exception of poliomyelitis the incidence of infectious
disease was generally lower than ever before. Smallpox, diphtheria, enteric
fever and ophthalmia neonatorum were non-existent. Scarlet fever prevalence
was much the lowest in the history of the district. Whooping cough too
reached a record low, whilst the year coincided with the trough in the
biennial wave of measles. There was no fatality in respect of these diseases.
The cases of poliomyelitis were only one less than in the first major epidemic
year of 1947, but there was only one death in 1956 as against five in 1947 and
a higher proportion were non-paralytic cases. The first conclusions to be
drawn from the effects of the limited initial vaccination scheme against this
infection undertaken during the year hold great promise that much of the
resultant disability due to this disease can be prevented.
Further landmarks in the war against pollution were established, in
the case of food by the passing of the Food and Drugs Act, 1955 and its
Hygiene Regulations and in the case of the atmosphere by the Clean Air
Act. Further evidence that the control exercised over food is becoming
increasingly successful, is provided by the absence during the past year of any
food poisoning outbreak, by the higher bacteriological and biological
standards reached in respect of milk and ice cream and by the very high
proportion of completely satisfactory food analyses made by the Public
Analyst. A beginning, however, has only been made in tackling the menace
of atmospheric pollution and much remains to be done. Progress in this
field depends to a great extent on the availability of smokeless fuels and suitable
appliances in which to burn them, the will to insist on their use when
available and an inspectorate fully trained in those aspects of fuel
technology necessary for effective supervision.
The continuing shortage of housing accommodation presents probably
the greatest handicap to the promotion of public well-being. Much the
worst evil which stems from this single cause is the mental and psychological
damage inflicted particularly on children and young parents. The
disruption of home life with its separation of children and parents and the
resulting sense of insecurity engendered in the young, is the major cause in
the creation of a high proportion of problem families. This grave danger
to the normal development of children can be minimised to some extent
where parents are dependable and capable, but when gross shortage of
accommodation is coupled with sub-normal parental intelligence the
prejudice to the welfare of the children is seriously aggravated. Parental
inability to cope with the inimical environment created by serious overcrowding
is a factor which should receive earnest consideration in the
assessment of need for housing accommodation.
I again tender to my staff my thanks for their efficient assistance and
loyal support.
I am, Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
F. LAWRENCE SMITH,
Medical Officer of Health.
July, 1957.
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