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*Provisional.
Although diphtheria is no longer a serious public health problem
it must be remembered that the disease is still present and that
any relaxation of the immunisation campaign could have serious
results. Immunisation not only prevents many children from contracting
diphtheria, but greatly mitigates-the severity of the illness
if a child should fall a victim to this disease.
WHOOPING COUGH.
The number of cases of whooping cough notified was 57.
One case was removed to hospital and no deaths occurred.
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.
As whooping cough is most dangerous in the first year of
life immunisation should be commenced at the third or fourth
month.