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3.
PREVALENCE AND CONTROL OF INFECTIOUS AND
OTHER DISEASES
Acute Poliomyelitis.
For the first tine for many years no case of poliomyelitis was
notified in the district. The vaccination campaign against this disease
was intensified and by the end of the year it was estimated that over
of the eligible population was protected. Mention should be made of the
special "Vaccination Week" which was held in June. Vaccination was made
freely available at Clinics and at a Mobile Vaccination Centre held in a
Civil Defence vehicle adapted for the purpose which operated at Railway
Stations and other focal points. Thousands of leaflets were distributed
by voluntary workers from local organisations, while posters were displayed
in shops and other business premises. Particular tribute should be paid
to the Civil Defence Officer and volunteers, the staff of the Public Health
Department and the members of the British Red Cross Society, St. John
Ambulance Brigade, Women's Voluntary Services and all those others who
gave unstintingly of their time and effort to ensure the success of the
campaign. Nearly 1,000 persons in the district received their first
injections during the week.
Diphtheria.
The following statistics refer to immunisation carried out
during the year:-
Number of children immunised during the year
(pre-school 432, school 72) 504
Number of children receiving reinforcing doses 713
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.
For the twelfth 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.