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reported, in cases where the remedy has been given to persons
even when not suffering from Diphtheria, it is advisable to try
this remedy at once, if necessary even before the diagnosis has
been cleared up by bacteriological examination. Such early
administration cannot possibly do any harm, and may do an immense
amount of good, e.g., by saving life, etc.
Antitoxin is found now to be useful, too, as a prophylactic, or
preventative. Children and others exposed to Diphtheria may,
with advantage, be injected with small doses of antitoxin, as also
susceptible persons, who have been in close proximity to a Diphtheria
patient, or may have to reside in a house where Diphtheria
exists, owing to the patient, from any cause, not been removed
to Hospital. Such persons under these conditions are less likely
to catch the disease if protected by antitoxin. Antitoxin has been
distributed gratuitously by the Borough Council for use both as
a remedy and a prophylactic, throughout 1903, 45 vials having
been so distributed within the Borough.
"Return" Diphtheria cases in Lambeth Borough have been
watched for during 1903, the arrangement made with the Metropolitan
Asylums Board, by which previous intimation is sent of
discharged patients to the Medical Officers of Health of the
Districts concerned, rendering such investigations easy. All
such intimations, which have been received during 1903, have
beeu investigated.
MEMBRANOUS CROUP.
During 1903, in the Borough ot Lambeth, 9 cases were notified
from Membranous Croup, and 1 death was registered, giving a
case-mortality of 11.1 per cent. as compared with a yearly
average of 26 cases notified and 8 deaths registered throughout
the old Parish of Lambeth during 10 years (1891-1900). No
case was removed to Hospital during 1903.