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6.
Dysentery
13 cases of sonne dysentery occurred during the year, comparing
favourably with 88 cases in the previous year. No cases occurred in
institutions.
This condition is highly infectious among young children and its
incidence has been increasing during the past few years throughout the
country.
Although this illness is mild it is responsible for significant
loss of school time among affected children and contacts and rigid methods
of control are necessary to prevent epidemic spread.
Food Poisoning
There was 1 single case of food poisoning due to staphylococcus
aureus.
Investigations into cases of suspected dysentery and food
poisoning are an important part of the work of the Public Health Department.
The majority of such investigations do not reveal any recognisable type
of infection or the source from which it came. Early notification by
Medical Practitioners of suspected cases of dysentery and food poisoning
is essential for effective control of the spread of infection, particularly
in communities such as schools and residential homes. The co-operation
of family doctors in this respect is much appreciated.
Of 35 incidents of suspected food poisoning reported to the Public
Health Department and investigated in detail one was found to be a case
of staphylococcus aureus food borne infection and in 28 cases the diagnosis
was not confirmed on further investigation.
One case of salmonella newport was diagnosed in a child attending
a residential establishment and two cases of salmonella saint paul were
found in a family where no connection with food or other cases of a
similar infection in the country could be traced.
Two related families were found to be carriers of salmonella typhimurium,
but in neither case could food be attributed to the condition.
Three outbreaks of suspected food poisoning occurred in institutions
an Old People's home, a research establishment and a childrens nursery. At
the Old People's home slightly unsound corned beef was thought to be
responsible for symptoms typical of staphylococcal food poisoning affecting
26 residents and at the research establishment reheated steak and kidney
pie produced symptoms indicative of Clostridium welchii food poisoning.
At the nursery 20 children and staff were affected by an outbreak of
salmonella typhi-murium infection but food was not traced as being the source.