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As a result of recent medical research, it is now possible by means of a simple
test —the Schick Test (named after its discover, Dr. Schick) — to ascertain whether or not
a person is susceptible to Diphtheria.
Some persons are naturally immune, others, and especially children, are susceptible.
Those who are found to be susceptible can be protected against Diphtheria by a method
of inoculation. This consists of three small injections under the skin at intervals of one
week. It is a simple procedure without pain or subsequent discomfort, and there is no
sore place as in vaccination.
In New York this method has been available for some time, and over a million
children have been protected. It is, therefore, significant to note that, although
Diphtheria is becoming more prevalent in London, it is decreasing in New York. It has
recently been reported that during the past six months the number of cases of Diphtheria
in New York is less than has ever been known before in that city during any similar
period.
I suggest this method of protection should be made available, free of charge, at one
of the Welfare Centres, and that parents be urged to give their children the benefit of
the protection thus provided.
I am,
Your obedient Servant,
G. Sowen,
Medical Officer of Health.
The Committee decided to again consider the matter, and desired to have a further
report giving an estimate as to the probable cost of the proposal.
ENTERIC (TYPHOID) FEVER.
Fifteen cases were notified and one death occurred, as compared with sixteen cases and
three deaths in the previous year. On further investigation four cases were found to have
been incorrectly diagnosed, the actual number of cases was therefore eleven. Based 011
bacteriological examination six cases were reported to be suffering from Typhoid and two from
Para-typhoid fever. In the remaining cases definite bacteriological information was not
available. One patient contracted the disease in Egypt, but the illness only developed by the
time he arrived in this country. Three cases occurred in one house, the occupation followed
by one member of this family was that of sewerman. In the case which proved fatal the
disease was contracted and the patient treated in an institution situated outside the Borough.
PUERPERAL FEVER.
Fourteen cases were notified and one death occurred. On further investigation two of
the cases were found to have been incorrectly diagnosed. In addition to the above, nine of
the cases which were notified to be suffering from Puerperal Pyrexia were found to be really
suffering from Puerperal Fever. The total number of cases, therefore, which occurred during
the year was twenty one. This equals an incidence rate of 5.8 per 1,000 births and a case
mortality of 4.8 per cent. The fatal case occurred in a woman who was not attended at her
confinement, either by a doctor or midwife.