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During the period named, with an average attendance for the
whole department of 508, there were absent 7.2 per cent. of the
Infants' School, suffering from Diphtheria. The percentage attacked
in the different classes varied from 1.6 to 15.5, the latter rate
obtaining in the babies' class. During the same period there were
also absent several children whose absence was attributed to sore
throat or mumps. The only importance of this is the possibility of
some of these being unrecognised cases of Diphtheria. An inspection
of the school was made early in the outbreak, and various conditions
were found which would have a lowering effect upon the
health of the children; but I could not say they would cause
diphtheria.
A second outbreak of diphtheria which appeared to me to be
connected with school influence, occurred during the months of
March, April, May and June, in the Infants' Department of the
Tottenham Road Board School. This school is situated in the
Hackney district, close to the border of Islington parish, and, therefore,
probably receives as many scholars from that parish as from
Hackney. The outbreak began in the second week in March by
the notification of two cases in the girls' schools, and one in the
infants' school. During the month of April 16 cases, during May
14 cases, and June 6 cases were notified, making a total of 39 cases.
These were distributed in the three departments of the school in the
following manner:—