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8.
PREVALENCE AM) CONTROL OF INFECTIOUS AND
OTHER DISEASES.
Scarlet Fever.
The number of cases of scarlet fever notified during the year
was 24, giving an incidence rate of 0.53 per thousand population.
All the cases were very mild
Diphtheria.
For the eleventh year in succession the district was completely
free from this disease, the last case having been notified in April,
1947.
Immunisation against diphtheria progresses smoothly. Special
efforts continue to be made to encourage mothers to bring their babies
for immunisation in those cases where persuasion by the health visitor
has failed.
Under the National Health Service Act all medical practitioners
providing general medical services in the area are given an opportunity
to provide services in the scheme. This has resulted in a number of
children being immunised otherwise than at schools or clinics.
The following statistics refer to immunisation carried out
during the year:-
Number of children immunised during the year
(pre-school 395, school 130) 525
Number of children receiving reinforcing doses 373
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
re suit s. 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 9. No
deaths occurred.
Whooping cough is one of the most serious diseases of childhood
and mothers appreciate the facilities for immunisation which are
available. It is to be hoped that whooping cough immunisation will
prove as effective as immunisation against diphtheria.