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Infectious Diseases and Immunisation
Notifiable diseases continue to occupy a large part of the time of the
Department in investigation and enquiry, and many suspect cases, after
full investigation, are not confirmed, but one would much rather have an
unconfirmed suspected case than an unnotified real case. It is, unfortunately,
seldom possible to find the origin of infection in sporadic cases of
dysentery and food poisoning unless association with a known case can
be demonstrated, and the chief object of the exercise is to prevent further
spread of the condition. This is not a practical procedure in the case of
measles and no further action is usually taken when this disease is notified.
The success of infant inoculation against diphtheria, poliomyelitis
and whooping cough is manifest from the total absence of the first two
and the low incidence of the last named in the notification list. Unfortunately
the success of immunisation is tending to lull certain parents into
a feeling of false security, particularly with regard to diphtheria and
Health Visitors spend much time convincing such parents that diphtheria
is not like the Black Death, interesting historically but of no importance
in the present day; that it is, in fact, just below the surface and that
immunisation of infants is essential if it is to remain so. The same attitude
is not yet apparent with regard to poliomyelitis but it is a much more
recent menace to child health than is diphtheria. Parents still fear it.
Active immunisation against tetanus (lockjaw) is now offered to children
either separately or in conjunction with diphtheria or whooping cough.
The great majority of parents are glad to avail themselves of this provision
which may well avoid a serious complication of what might have appeared
a trivial wound.
Parents have the opportunity of having children, who have not yet
acquired immunity by natural processes, inoculated against Tuberculosis
at the age of 13 years and a gratifyingly high proportion of parents agree
to this procedure.
It is satisfactory to note that there were no deaths from any of the
seven principal zymotic diseases during the year.
In conclusion I should like to thank the Health Committee and the
Council for their lively interest and their support of the Health Department's
work in 1962 and all members of the staff for their willing work at
all times.
I am, Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Yours obediently,
W. D. SWINNEY,
Medical Officer of Health.
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