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46
Diphtheria Contacts.
As in former years we have continued to swab all diphtheria contacts among
school children and toddlers.
Results of Bacteriological Examinations and Virulence Tests.
No. of contacts swabbed ... ... ... 55
Negative at first examination ... ... 40
Positive at first examination ... ... ... 15 (27 "27 percent.)
Virulence tests made ... ... ... ... 2 (negative)
Analysis of the swab results relating to the contacts is given below: —

* 2 positive contacts removed to L.C.C. Fever Hospital.
** Virulence test made in the case of these contacts—negative.
The parents or others in charge of children harbouring diphtheria bacilli were
given written directions as to the precautions necessary.
The results of the examinations of child contacts were communicated to the
School Medical Department of the London County Council so that children
harbouring diphtheria bacilli could be kept from school providing there was no
evidence that the organisms were avirulent.
Diphtheria antitoxin was available free of charge on applicat:on by medical
practitioners. In two cases doses were supplied of 8,000 units each, and in two
cases doses of 500 units.
The Schick Test and Immunisation against Diphtheria.
This work has been carried on since 1922 at the Council's Maternity and
Child Welfare Centre, 10, John Street, on Wednesday afternoons.
Enquiries as to the effect of the testing and inoculation on the individual were
made as a routine; we are able to record that any disturbance caused was
negligible. The use of toxoid antitoxin does away with the risk of fatality incurred
by using improperly-made toxin antitoxin.