View report page

INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
Sickness benefit, contacts or carriers of infectious disease.
Under the National Insurance Act, 1946, sickness benefit will,
in certain circumstances, be payable to persons who are deemed to
be incapable of work, though not actually so. It is only
exceptionally that it is necessary to require a contact or carrier
of infectious disease to stay away from work, and then only as
regards the more serious infections.
The Medical Officer of Health may issue a certificate in his
responsibility for preventive action and may consider it necessary
where there is special risk, that such a person should absent
himself from his employment for a time; and it is in such
circumstances that the right to draw sicKness benefit will arise.
Benefit will only be paid on the strength of a certificate
by a Medical Officer of Health that the person is under medical
observation by reason of being a carrier of infectious disease, or has
been in contact with a cise of infectious disease (as the case may be).
in circumstances which make it advisable to exclude him from work.
This Act applies particularly to food handlers, e.g. persons
employed in cafes, canteens and restaurants.
During the year 12 such Certificates were issued.
POLIOMYELITIS.

No poliomyelitis occurred in a vaccinated person; there
was residual paralysis in five of the six cases but none died.
INFLUENZA.
In the early Autumn special watch was kept on the influenza
situation in view of the probable introduction of the so-called
“Asian” type which had its origin in the Par East in April and May.
The Ministry of Health asked to be kept informed of the
position, and Head Teachers of Schools and local General
Practitioners were asked to collaborate in supplying information.
A supply of vaccine was issued for doctors, nurses and
public health workers who wished to avail themselves of it.
A virus infection similar to the description of the
Asiatic influenza did occur among school children. It commenced
in the Hook and Chessington area, passing through Tolworth and
Surbiton about the beginning of October, and finishing towards
the end of the month. School attendances were down to
approximately half in some cases, but in no instance was it
necessary to close a school.
13.