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56
INFECTIOUS DISEASES

The three cases of enteric (typhoid or paratyphoid fever) were one
case of Typhoid contracted abroad and two cases of paratyphoid in
mother and daughter, of unknown origin.
Of the other diseases notified in 1971 there was not much change
from the previous year. The number of measles was less than half (510
cases) than that notified in 1970 (1,214). However, this must be an
indication of the effect of measles vaccination. The number of whooping
cough cases was 59, also less than half of the previous year (117). Of
the 95 cases notified as food poisoning, twelve cases were specified as
shown in the Public Health Laboratory Service table.
During 1971 it was again possible to remove another person from
the list of typhoid carriers. It was a young boy now 16 years of age,
who in 1956 was notified as a case of typhoid. However, after very
careful scrutiny it was found possible to remove him from the list.
TUBERCULOSIS
Of the ninety eight primary notifications of tuberculosis eighty
four were in respect of pulmonary tuberculosis and fourteen in respect
of non-pulmonary tuberculosis.
The number on the Department's Tuberculosis Register at the beginning
of the year was 1,605. After adding primary notifications and
transfers in and subtracting deaths, transfers out and recovered cases
etc., the number on the Register fell to 1,408 by the end of the year.
VENEREAL DISEASE
The Department employs a full time officer known as a Special
Clinic Officer who works in close liaison with the local clinics. In
September this officer was given a period of special leave with pay by
the Council to take a course leading to the Certificate of Social Work,
but it was possible to recruit a replacement for the period the officer
would be away.