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28
C(4). Comments on :—
(a) Diphtheria.
The number of cases of Diphtheria show once again a
decrease, and there has been no grouping of cases. The type
of Diphtheria was not unduly severe and there was no special
incidence in any school.
(b) Scarlet Fever.
Although the number of cases of Scarlet Fever was
again above those occurring during 1936, there was no
epidemic. Cases of Scarlet Fever occurred sporadically throughout
the year, and never in such concentration that it was
possible to trace severe cases to a common source of infection.
Of the 61 cases notified 50 were admitted to hospital for
treatment.
(c) Enteric Fever.
No cases of Typhoid Fever were notified but one case was
notified as Paratyphoid 4 B.'
(d) Measles.
This condition is not notifiable in this district. From school
attendance records it is observed that Erith suffered from a mild
epidemic of Measles during November and December. During
the year this complaint accounted for no deaths.
(e) Provision of Serum for Cases of Measles.
During the year a scheme was outlined to the Committee,
for the provision of protective serum for measles contacts.
The Committee agreed to co-operate with the Kent County
Council, in a Scheme for the provision of such serum, as follows :
44 Blood to be collected, from donors from the District,
at the Maidstone Laboratory or at some other convenient place.
The serum to be separated, treated, examined and ampouled
ready for distribution from the central 4 store ' at Maidstone.
Serum to be supplied on request, by telephone or letter, on the
understanding that the Doctor agrees to find donors to replace
the serum supplied from the pool, thus ensuring that a supply
will always be available. Every ampoule of serum sent out to
be labelled with instructions as to when and how to use, etc."
It is hoped that this scheme will prove another medium
through which the Public Health Department may be able to
co-operate with the General Practitioners in the District.
(f) Puerperal Fever and Pyrexia.
Two cases of Puerperal Pyrexia and three cases of Puerperal
Fever were notified during the year,