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10
MEASLES.
After an epidemic prevalence in the previous year the
incidence of measles was lower than the average for recent
years; 152 cases were notified, and these were confined mainly
to the summer months. The general type of illness was mild,
and no requests for prophylactic serum were received.
WHOOPING COUGH.
The incidence of whooping cough was moderate, 75
cases being notified. Immunisation against this disease is
carried out to a considerable extent in certain districts, but
the evidence of its value is at present very conflicting. No
recommendation has therefore been made to provide a public
scheme in this district, as it is considered that there would be
an extremely bad psychological effect in pressing a preventive
measure which later might have to be withdrawn. A large
scale experiment is now being carried out by the Medical
Research Council on whooping cough immunisation, which it
is hoped will have fruitful results.
SCABIES.
The scheme for the treatment of scabies referred to in
recent reports continued successfully. During 1946, 525 persons
from 132 families received treatment. Of these 297 persons
showed definite lesions, the remainder being contacts in the
same families.
In one case it was necessary to institute a prosecution
under the Scabies Order 1941. On an undertaking being given
to accept treatment, no penalty was inflicted by the Court.
VERMINOUS CONDITIONS.
Cases of infestation by the head louse were referred to
the department from various sources from time to time, and
these were treated by the Public Health nurse. 9 cases from
4 families were treated in this manner. A considerable
improvement has been effected in the cleanliness of school
children during recent years by the Public Health nurse, who,