PUBLIC HEALTH
141
A new record card of prophylactic inoculations has been intro- duced and as an incentive a small plastic figurine symbolizing 'Health' is now given to each child completing the two initial inoculations against diphtheria.
As in previous years a number of severe secondary infections of the neck was encountered. This is due to the widespread practice of insufflating herbal powder into the fauces as a treatment for sore throat. A number of samples of the powder were analysed and significant quantities of arsenilic acid were recovered. Action is being taken to stop the sale of these traditional powders.
Enteric Fever. Despite continuing and intensive control measures there was a further rise in the incidence of typhoid and paratyphoid fevers to the highest level encountered over the five-year period 1955 to 1959. The number of deaths was approximately the same, but the case fatality rate is still declining, presumably due to the more widespread and efficient use of antibiotics.
1955
1956
1957
1958
1959
No. of cases
No. of deaths
Case fatality rate
735
58
7.9
789
48
6.1
728
33
4.5
-
816
34
4.2
997
32
3.2
Facilities for free T.A.B. inoculations are available throughout the year at all Government hospitals, clinics and inoculation centres. Between July and September each year intensive inocula- tion campaigns are launched and inoculation teams tour the Colony with a loud hailer van disseminating information and offering in- oculations on the spot. Health Officers of the Urban Services Department give talks and instruction throughout the year on personal hygiene, on the cleanliness of restaurants and eating houses, and on the handling and preparation of food. Carriers were given treatment under the supervision of the Health Officers concerned.
A special survey was made during September of the distribution of cases. As expected, it was found that the majority occurred in areas of high population density associated with low standards of