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Compared with the figures for the previous year there was a
increase in the number of cases of measles and scarlet fever.
It is intresting to note that the case rate for diphtheria—viz.,
0.36 per 1,000 population—is the lowest recorded and that for the
first time no death was ascribed to this disease.
Schick Clinic.—The diphtheria immunisation clinic was continued
throught the year, 103 sessions being held. The average
attendance was 31. The clinic was attended by 1,294 patients
(987 new, 251 old, and 56 who had been inoculated elsewhere).
The incre ase in the proportion of children known to have been
immunised has been slow and shows that much work still remains
to be done before mass-immunity of the population is assured. The
estimated figures are as follows:—
Age Group.
Immunised.
Population.
0-5
2054
7160
5—15
11830
7019
Arrangements are in force for private practitioners to immunise
children who are una ble to attend the clinic, and two children were
immunised in this way during the year.
The Schick test is offered to all children who have been immunised
whether at the Council's clinic or elsewhere. It was found
that 96.6% the children tested after inoculation were Schick
negative.A ve ry stringent standard was maintained in reading
the test and most of those found to be Schick positive
showed by the mildness of the reaction that they had
attained a considerabel degree of protection against diphtheria.
Tuberculosis.—Beside 199 cases notified, there were otherwise
reported II, ma king a total of 210 new cases, and a case rate of
232.2 Per 100,000 population.
The Dispensa ry was carried on throughout the year as in normal
times.
Deaths from tuberculosis numbered 67, of which 5 were of the
non-Pulmonary form.