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PREVALENCE AND CONTROL OF INFECTIOUS AND
OTHER DISEASES
Acute Poliomyelitis
No case of poliomyelitis was notified during 1962.
The introduction of Oral (Sabin) vaccine necessitated recasting
the vaccination programme. Par some years the number of injections
necessary to protect children against serious infectious disease has
been a source of concern and the ease of administration of the new
vaccine by mouth has been a welcome innovation. In addition Sabin
vaccine has other advantages in the type and degree of immunity
produced. It represents a considerable step forward in the control of
poliomyelitis.
Diphtheria
The following statistics refer to immunisation carried out
during the year:
Number of children immunised during the year
(pre-school 544 , school 45) 589
Number of children receiving reinforcing doses 693
For the 15th year in succession the district was completely
free from this disease, the last case having been notified in April,
1947.
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.
Whooping Cough
The number of cases of whooping cough notified was 15. No
deaths occurred.
Whooping cough is one of the most serious diseases of childhood
and mothers appreciate the facilities far immunisation which are
available. 516 children were immunised during the year and 249
received a reinforcing dose.