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11
Of the above, two hundred and fifty-seven individuals were
vaccinated or revaccinated by private practitioners.
Three hundred and sixty-eight of the persons vaccinated were
under one year of age.
ACUTE POLIOMYELITIS.
Eight cases of acute poliomyelitis were notified during the
year, two as paralytic and six as non-paralytic. There were no
deaths.
MEASLES.
The number of cases of measles notified (574) was much
higher than in 1952. Seven cases were removed to hospital. No
deaths occurred. Prophylactic serum for contacts, etc., was
supplied to doctors on application.
WHOOPING COUGH.
The number of cases of whooping cough notified was 165.
Five cases were removed to hospital and no deaths occurred.
The immunisation campaign against whooping cough which
was commenced in the Borough in February, 1951 was intensified
in 1952 and 1953. Whooping cough is one of the most serious
diseases of childhood and mothers appreciate the facilities for
immunisation which are available. Fortunately the whooping
cough immunisation campaign has had a beneficial effect on the
diphtheria immunisation campaign because the prophylactic
material most commonly used gives combined protection against
both whooping cough and diphtheria. It is to be hoped that
whooping cough immunisation will prove as effective as immunisation
against diphtheria.
Details of the number of children immunised against whooping
cough during the year are as follows:—
Primary immunisations carried out by
the medical officer of health 293