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Diphtheria.— Twelve cases of diphtheria were notified during
1936, as against 25 during 1935, and 44 during 1934. None of
these cases was secondary. This total (12) is the second lowest ever
recorded in Southgate, the lowest being 8 in 1932 when the population
was still only 57,000. The average for the past 10 years
is 31.5.

Eleven cases (91.7 per cent. of the total notified) were removed
to hospital.
The type of disease met with was comparatively mild and no
deaths occurred from cases notified within the Borough. Unfortunately,
three patients, all members of one family which had
removed from the district to South Wales, were reported as having
died from diphtheria. Although this family had moved from the
district some time previously, the deaths were still accredited to
Southgate. The occurrence of such a tragedy points to the continued
need for strict supervision and control of this disease.
The dates of notification were as follows:—
1st day 1
2nd ,, 2
3rd ,, 0
4th ,, 3
5th ,, 2
6th ,, 2
7th ,, 1
8th ,, 0
9th ,, 0
15th ,, 1
As hitherto, swabs were taken of all home contacts and of all
cases fourteen days after their discharge from hospital.
Diphtheria Antitoxin is kept in stock at the Public Health
Department and issued to all medical practitioners on application.
Immunisation. —Three hundred and nineteen persons attended
for immunisation during 1936 at the weekly clinic held in Broomfield
House or at the schools visited during the year, as compared
with a total of 415 for the previous year. The schools selected
67