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point of view there are obvious reasons for requiring a convincing
clinical picture but many of these cases which present the
early signs and symptoms of the disease and do not progress to
the stage of paralysis are still probably genuine cases of infection
with the virus of Acute Poliomyelitis, and from the Medical
Officer of Health's point of view are better diagnosed and regarded
as Acute Poliomyelitis than dismissed with vague labels
such as influenza. Moreover, in the presence of a widespread
epidemic, it is not more probable that they are in fact milder
manifestations of attack by the same virus rather than obscure
conditions such as myalgias and influenzas, or explained away
by dragging in even another but similar virus?
The onset of the first case in the district is not precisely
known but the date of notification was 8th July and the onset
of the last case was the 5th November, both of these cases were
severe.
Ten of these cases suffered paralysis resulting in some
permanent disability and necessitating prolonged treatment. Of
these cases, 15 were in children of school age and in 3 of them
sufficient permanent disability has resulted to necessitate special
educational arrangements. Two of them are still long stay cases
in St. Nicholas, Pyrford and one in the Royal National Orthopaedic
Hospital, Stanmore.
It may be of interest to record that the first case in Merton
and Morden was returned in the week ending 12th July, the first
cases in London were returned in the week ending 31st May by
Lambeth, six weeks earlier. Wimbledon's first case was the week
ending 18th June and Mitcham's the 29th July. Carshalton had
one case the week ending 7th June and not another until the 26th
July while Sutton and Cheam had one case the week ending 24th
May and the next cases, five in number on the 26th July. There
is here a suspicion of centrifugal spread.
Cerebro-Spinal Fever. One case which was notified during
the year, was admitted to St. Helier County Hospital and recovered
after treatment.
Erysipelas. Thirteen notifications were received during
the year all of which involved the face. Of this number, 12 were
treated at home and one received hospital treatment.
Food Poisoning. There were 12 cases of food poisoning
notified during the year. Six of the cases were in a family group.
In one group, four cases and in the other group two. One case
was on the staff of a neighbouring school and involved with others
in the school. In this case, B. Sonne was isolated from a culture
of the stool.
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