[Report 1947] / Port Medical Officer of Health, Bristol Port Health Authority.

  • Bristol (England). Port Health Authority.
Date:
1947
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1947] / Port Medical Officer of Health, Bristol Port Health Authority. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    CITY AND COUNTY OF BRISTOL. PORT HEALTH SERVICES. Report on Medical Inspection and Sanitary Circumstances. R.H.Parry, M.D., P.R.C.P., D.P.H., Medical Officer of Health and Port Medical Officer of Health. This report is prepared, as in 1946, on the lines indicated in Memorandum 302/S.A, issued by the Ministry of Health to Port Health Authorities, and the narrative is referenced where approp- riate to statistical tables in Appendix IX ? GENERAL A port health department is not merely concerned with the detection and control of smallpox, typhus, cholera and other dangerous communicable diseases. Other diseases, more insidious in onset and quieter in their manifestations, but of greater social significance, find a rich soil amongst seafarers. This latter group of diseases, of which tuberculosis is an example, always flourishes best where there are defects in personal and environ- mental hygiene, and also, therefore, claim the attention ot those whose concern is marine sanitation* Diseases such as smallpox or cholera, having gained access via a seaport or an airport, can be effectively countered by the efficient application of prescribed public health measures. An epidemic of smallpox gains momentum for a time, and subsides. The Nation's problem is a temporary one and, with effective port control should never occur. It would be well if the spread of tuberculosis amongst a population could be made to yield so promptly to planned counter- attack, but with this disease the progress is one of slow infiltr- ation into the community. The national problem is a more lasting onc3 and logical measures of control include the early recognition and treatment of all spreaders of the disease, and the eradication of conditions which might favour its development and spread. Within the ranks of the Merchant Service lies a fertile source of infection which contributes, in no small measure, to the spread of this disease ashore. The high incidence of tuberculosis amongst seamen is a matter for concern; the problem is worthy of examination. It may yet be premature to give an accurate picture of peace- time trends within the Merchant Service. Repeated crew examin- ations throughout the year indicate, however, that the general health of crews, so well preserved during the war years, is being maintained. And yet, from time to time, there is brought to light evidence that another young merchant navy recruit has fallen victim to tuberculosis within a year or so of recruitment. More ominous in its significance is the occasional discovery of the more elderly sailor with open tuberculosis, giving a history of chronic cough of many years’ duration. The relationship between cases of this kind is quite apparent, and has its parallel in other services. Clear evidence that the direct spread of tubercular infection occurs under present day conditions at sea is available within the records of this department. Overcrowding, as in the slum areas, plays a leading part in the transmission of this disease. Fatigue and exposure, both sometimes inseparable from working conditions afloat, are important predisposing conditions. Alcoholism, the habit of spitting, and poor ventilation are other factors conducive to the development »f pulmonary infection. Under such circumstances the chronic spreader of tubercle bacilli inevitably claims a toll of victims amongst his shipmates - and the further transmission of the disease to their associates ashore may only be a matter of time.