Some aspects of acute anterior poliomyelitis in the Maltese islands in 1950 and 1951

Abstract

Small islands, since their populations are more static, lend themselves more readily to the study of the Epidemiology of disease than do land-bound territories where movement in and out of the country is more frequent. The islands of the Maltese Dependencies in this respect are particularly interesting since there is always a considerable movement of foreigners coming to and going from the islands yet, the islanders themselves seldom journey abroad unless emigrating permanently to other lands. Acute Anterior Poliomyelitis has been notifiable in the Maltese Dependencies since 1921 and up till 31st May, 1951, a total of 841 cases had been notified. 237 of these cases occurred between 27th May 1950 and the end of May 1951. It is the purpose of this dissertation to comment upon the habits and customs of the people, the topography, water supply, sewage disposal and other Public Health aspects in the Islands and to ascertain whether any feasible explanation can be found for the progress of the disease on the islands during the year under study.