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No mothers died in childbirth during 1960, and this gives a maternal
mortality rate per 1,000 total births of nil, as compared with 0-39 for
England and Wales.
The infantile mortality rate shows a decrease at 16.95 per 1,000 live
births, as compared with 18.56 in 1959. Seven infants died under the age
of 1 year in 1960 out of 413 live births. On page 15 will be found an
analysis of the causes of death. The corresponding rate for England and
Wales is 21 -90.
The incidence of infectious disease generally throughout the year, has
been low, measles giving the highest figure with 149 notified cases.
Scarlet fever, with 61 notified cases was next in order of incidence, but
this was lower than the previous year. Twenty-four cases of whooping
cough were notified. It is felt that the attention of parents should again
be drawn to the need for immunisation against whooping cough. The
immunising material used throughout the year against diphtheria, contained
immunising material against whooping cough and tetanus.
It is pleasing to record that during the year no cases of poliomyelitis
occurred in the Borough. This is the second year in succession in which
we have been able to make this comment.
Poliomyelitis inoculation was well received during the year. Since
the scheme began in 1956 9,948 persons had been given two injections,
and 8,429 a third injection, by the end of the year under review.
The Minister of Health has announced the introduction of a fourth
poliomyelitis injection for children over five years of age and who have
not yet attained the age of twelve years. The records in respect of this,
however, belong to the year 1961.
Comment has been made in the medical and national press concerning
the introduction of a new vaccine to be taken by mouth. The Minister's
Medical Officers are still investigating the possibility of introducing this
type of vaccine, which has been used in large quantities in Russia and
some other countries. Both vaccines, that is, the Sabine, which is taken
by month, and the Salk, which is injected, have given a good measure of
protection. It is possible, however, that in the presence of epidemics both
types have a different role to play, it being felt that the oral vaccine might
present a rapid method of immunising a population in the event of an
epidemic.
The Minister of Health, however, has made no specific announcement
on the introduction of oral vaccines, and is awaiting further work by
English Medical Officers, before committing the Ministry.
It is generally agreed that the incidence of poliomyelitis has fallen
since the immunisation scheme was commenced. In Surrey alone, it is
pleasing to record a reduction in incidence, from 353 cases notified
in 1955, (amongst these 9 deaths) to 17 cases in 1959, amongst whom
only 2 deaths occurred.
One cannot escape the conclusion that this striking fall in incidence,
which has coincided with the introduction of the immunisation scheme,
is a direct result therefrom.
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