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There were 347 cases of measles, a number which while
scarcely justifying the description epidemic is a much larger
number than we expect to find in a non-epidemic year. It may
well be that this is a matter for gratification as the disease is at
the present time relatively mild and by maintaining an annual
aggregate the immunity of the child population is maintained
at a relatively high level.
There were 232 cases of whooping cough. Whooping cough
at the present time is enemy No. 1 to the child. It is a most
debilitating disease for the child and a most distressing
experience for the parents to witness. It is to be hoped that
information will shortly be available to decide the value of
whooping cough vaccine, so that we may consider it as a public
preventive measure.
The sanitary work of the department has been dealt with
in detail in the text of the report. During the year we lost the
services of two of our experienced officers and we have not been
able to replace them with officers of similar experience. This
may not therefore be regarded as the happiest moment to foreshadow
expansion but the growth of the district and the
necessity to return soon to pre-war standards of hygiene leave us
no alternative. This is of course of particular importance in
regard to food handling and preparation.
In conclusion I would like to take this opportunity to thank
the members of the Council for their interest in the work of
improving the public health and in the support which they give to
the public health department.
I would also like to record my personal gratitude to all
the public health staff through whose efforts alone, that improvement
can be carried into effect.
I am, Madam Chairman, Ladies and Gentleman,
Your obedient servant,
A. W. JOHNS,
Medical Officer of Health.
September, 1948.
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