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11
MEASLES.
The number of measles cases was rather less than in
the previous year, 221 notifications being received. Cases
were scattered through the first eight months of the year
and were evenly distributed in the various wards of the
district. The biennial beat, which was such a marked
feature of measles incidence in pre-war years has not reappeared
and a substantial number of cases has been
notified annually for the past four years. The prevailing
type of illness was not severe. Measles serum was
requested and supplied in 14 cases.
WHOOPING COUGH.
One hundred and forty-three cases of whooping cough
were notified, an increase over the previous year. Of these,
twenty-three were treated in hospital. There were no
deaths. In the near future it may be possible to suggest
the introduction of an immunising measure for protection
against whooping cough, but at the moment the evidence
in favour of the materials at present available is too conflicting
to justify its recommendation as a collective
measure.
SCABIES.
There was still no abatement in the incidence of
scabies, a disease which has become most troublesome since
the war. In spite of the wide-spread publicity, which
has been given to the disease, many cases still go unrecognised
for a considerable time with multitudinous
opportunities for spreading infection. Also, it is often
difficult to impress upon people that the infection is a
family one, and that it is essential that every member of
the family should be treated whether suffering from an
obvious eruption or not. Central cleansing stations have
not been used, preference being given to the treatment of
families in their homes. It is probably easier to ensure the
treatment of the whole family by this method and the
convenience of workers is better served. Treament is