ENG-1949 — Page 102

G. Notifiable Diseases

(a) Smallpox

was

Eleven cases of smallpox occurred with 7 deaths. Of these 11 cases 5 had a history suggesting infection acquired outside the Colony. This compares very favourably with last year's figure of 8 cases which was the smallest number of cases that has occurred in any year since records were first kept. 1,386,254 vaccinations were performed during the year.

(b) Cholera

No cases of cholera occurred during the year.

(c) Enteric Fever

There were 408 cases with 89 deaths giving a mortality rate of 21.8 as against 311 cases with 69 deaths giving a mortality rate of 22.2 for 1948. The peak month was September and the majority of cases occurred in young adults. In two outbreaks carriers were traced. The actual increase in the number of cases is associated with the massive squatter settlements in the Colony. Prophylaxis in the Police Force has been introduced and all recruits are now systematically inoculated.

(d) Cerebro-spinal meningitis

Thirty-six cases occurred with 16 deaths giving a mortality rate of 44.4% as against 69 cases with 19 deaths giving a mortality rate of 27.5% for 1948. The largest number of cases notified in any one month was 5 in March and again in May.

(e)

Diphtheria

Two hundred and sixty one cases occurred with 75 deaths giving a mortality rate of 28.7% as against 140 cases with 49 deaths giving a mortality rate of 35% for 1948. The majority of cases and deaths occurred in children under 5 years of age, especially in the second year of life. Prophylaxis in the infant welfare centres has been emphasised during the year and prophylaxis in schools and orphanages has continued.

(f) Dysentery.

Two hundred and seventy six cases were reported with 22 deaths giving a mortality rate of 7.97% as against 183 cases with 25 deaths giving a mortality rate of 13.7%. It is probable that many of the cases reported as enteritis are in fact dysentery so the above figures may not give an accurate picture of the disease. Of the reported cases 153 were amoebic, 115 bacillary and 8 not specified. This

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