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32
Isolation.—Of the cases notified, 230, or 89.5 per cent.,
were removed to hospital for treatment.
Fatality.—There were 14 deaths from the disease, representing
a case mortality of 5.4 per cent., which is the lowest
yet recorded in Fulham.
Supply of Diphtheria Antitoxin.
With the view of facilitating the prompt use of diphtheria
antitoxin in the cases of persons who may be attacked by or
exposed to the infection of the disease, the Local Government
Board made an order in August last, under Section 77 of the
Public Health (London) Act, 1891, sanctioning the provision
by the Council of a temporary supply of diphtheria antitoxin,
and arrangements have been made for its supply to
medical practitioners in the borough. The demand for this
has been limited, only six applications having been received,
since most of the patients are at once removed to hospital;
but in cases with laryngeal symptoms, in which, owing to
the absence of visible-membrane, a definite diagnosis can
only be made by bacteriological examination, the prompt
administration of antitoxin without waiting for this result
goes far towards preventing a fatal termination should the
case prove to be one of laryngeal diphtheria.
ENTERIC FEVER.
Of enteric fever 18 cases were notified with 2 deaths, the
sickness and mortality rates being the lowest recorded in
Fulham from this disease. During the ten years 1900-1909
the mean number of cases notified was 66, and the mean
number of deaths 12.
In 3 cases the infection was contracted outside the borough,
and in 2 mussels had been eaten within a fortnight of the
commencement of the illness.