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16
the source of infection. The immediate families and other close
contacts of tuberculous patients are investigated and when
indicated B.C.G. immunisation is offered.
Whilst the situation as regards tuberculosis remains static
the same cannot be said of bronchial carcinoma which is
undoubtedly on the increase. This is a preventable disease, and
whilst it is difficult to persuade adults to give up smoking, an
anti-smoking campaign in schools might prove effective, and is
certainly worth trying."
Asian
Immigrants
As was mentioned last year the problem of tuberculosis in
immigrants is a very real one. Measures were taken during the
year to ascertain the size of the immigrant population and it
was discovered that there are approximately 580 Asian families
living in the borough, representing a population of about 2,500,
or 1% of the total population. lt is hoped that it will be possible
to skin-test, X-ray and if necessary give B.C.G. to all of this
number. This is not the answer to the problem. The remedy
lies in examining potential immigrants in their country of
origin.
Mass
Radiography
Appendix 3 shows the details of work carried out at the
Static Mass Radiography Unit at the Thompson Rooms, Ilford.
Venereal
Disease
The figures for 1966 are incomplete. Returns of numbers of
cases were received from four treatment centres in London and
are shown in Appendix 4. The only conclusion which can be
drawn from the figures is that at least 9 cases of syphilis, 55
of gonorrhoea, and 422 of other conditions occurred in persons
giving a home address in Redbridge. The true figures will be
higher.
Measles
Only 827 cases of measles were notified as against 3,393
in 1965 which was a 'measles year'.
Whooping
Cough
63 cases of whooping cough were notified, most of them
under the age of 5 years.
I am grateful for the willing co-operation of Dr. D. Adler
and Dr. M. Weinberger at the Ilford Chest Clinic, Dr. H. Duff
Palmer at the Harts Hospital, and Dr. Hugh Ramsay of the
Mass Radiography Service. Dr. E. Atkinson and his staff in the
Bacteriology Labatory at Oldchurch Hospital provided courteous
and helpful service and advice throughout the year and to them
also I am most grateful.