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On page 37 will be found a table setting out the incidence of infectious
diseases, other than tuberculosis, during 1955 From this, it will be
observed that the number of cases of infectious disease notified was, with
the exception of measles, about average. There were 659 cases of
measles, and although the figure is high, it cannot be said to have reached
epidemic proportions. It was not found necessary to close any classes
in maintained schools because of this disease. Whooping cough and
scarlet fever amongst infantile complaints were higher than in 1954, but
cannot be described as being higher than average.
During the year, five cases of poliomyelitis occurred, 3 of which were
paralytic. There were no deaths from this disease. Research work to
find a vaccine to stamp out this disease was continued throughout the
year, but the introduction of the new vaccine belongs to the year 1956.
One aspect of the incidence of the disease in this part of Surrey during
1955 was the apparent absence of any seasonal influence; cases continued
to occur sporadically throughout the year, and not, as generally recorded,
during the summer months. The disease, too, would appear to be no
respector of age, and an increasing number of adults continue to be
notified as sufferering from the disease, the word "infantile" paralysis as
a description of the disease being now somewhat of a misnomer.
No cases of food poisoning were notified during the year, although
sporadic cases of intestinal infection of a dysenteric character continue
to come to light from time to time.
Amongst infectious diseases, which have assumed considerable importance
since the war, tuberculosis in 1955 was slightly lower than in
previous years. Only 13 new cases were notified during the year, this
being a decrease of 3 on the cases notified in 1954. Deaths from this
disease, too, fell, there being only four deaths compared with six in 1954
B.C.G. vaccination continues to be offered to school children before
their 14th birthday, and during 1955, 220 children representing 56.12 per
cent of the eligible children, accepted this preventive treatment.
The Mass Radiography Unit did not visit Beddington and Wallington
during the year, but the next visit is planned for 1956.
The Corporation can note with satisfaction that, although certain
infectious diseases were slightly higher than during the previous year, the
year can be regarded with satisfaction as being one in which the general
health of the population was maintained at a high level.
During 1955, the swimming bath at Carew Manor School was again
brought into use to provide swimming facilities for residents in the
Borough and for school children. The administrative arrangements
were the same as have operated in previous years, and financial arrangements
were made with the Surrey County Council, who proved very
helpful in co-operating with the Corporation to make these excellent
swimming facilities possible.
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