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"A consideration of the foregoing statistical tables and
clinical observations, covering a period of 12 months, and
embracing a large number of cases, in our opinion sufficiently
demonstrates the value of antitoxin in the treatment of Diphtheria.
"It must be clearly understood, however, that to obtain the
largest measure of success with antitoxin it is essential that the
patient be brought under its influence at a comparatively early
date—if possible, not later than the second day of disease.
From this time onwards the chance of a successful issue will
diminish in proportion to the length of time which has elapsed
before the treatment is commenced. This, though doubtless
true of other methods, is of still greater moment in the case of
treatment by antitoxin.
"Certain secondary effects not infrequently arise as a direct
result of the injection of antitoxin in the form in which it has at
present to be administered, and even assuming that the incidence
of the normal complications of diphtheria is greater than can be
accounted for by the increased number of recoveries, we have no
hesitation in expressing the opinion that these drawbacks are
insignificant when taken in conjunction with the lessened fatality
which has been associated with the use of this remedy."
Whooping Cough. Reference to Table No. 3 will show
that 11 children died from this disease in the District, being a
decrease of 22 under last year. Whooping Cough is a disease
peculiar to young children, and it is difficult to suggest any
particular Sanitary measures which, in the absence of isolation,
would tend to lessen its spread.