XN000022-1973-04-26 — Page 10

I

9

Thursday, April 26, 1973

HEALTH REPORT FOR MARCH

One Death From Measles Reported

Fifty-four cases of measles, resulting in one death, were reported

during March, according to monthly health statistics released today by the

Medical and Health Department.

In the preceding month, there were 56 notifications of measles, also

resulting in one death.

"Although the rate of incidence of the disease is considered relatively

low there were 168 notifications in February and March last year the two

fatal cases in February and March this year illustrate the need for early

immunisation," a spokesman said.

He was referring to the current annual anti-measles campaign which

was designed to remind parents of susceptible children between six months and five

years to have them immunised. The campaign is now in its fourth week.

The spokesman appealed for their co-operation to prevent the outbreak

of a measles epidemic in Hong Kong. The last epidemic was in the years 1966

and 1967 when 1,045 children died.

Notifications of chickenpox showed a slight decline in March, with

46 cases reported as against 99 at the same time last year.

There was no record during the month of cerebrospinal meningitis or

diphtheria. One case of poliomyelitis was notified.

Tuberculosis accounted for 949 cases and 109 deaths. There was no

significant change in the monthly averages of all other notifiable diseases,

During March, Hong Kong remained free from cholera, smallpox and other

quarantinable diseases.

/10

Page 10Page 11