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Diphtheria in that locality, and it is most reasonable to
assume that this improvement in the public health has
thereby resulted. The following figures will show the marked
reduction in the prevalence of Diphtheria in that district during
the past three years.
Cases of Diphtheria Notified
Year. in No. 2 District.
1898 234
1899 132
1900 55
Hospital Treatment. — Two hundred and twenty-two cases
were removed to hospital, being equal to per cent, of
the cases notified, the proportion being slightly lower than
during the previous year, which was 74 per cent. Under the
heading of " Scarlet Fever" I have already dealt with two
cases where Diphtheria was developed within a few days after
they had been discharged from hospital for the treatment of
Scarlet Fever.
Personal Infection, &c.—It is frequently exceedingly difficult
to trace the source of infection, but the few following cases are
of interest, and shew little doubt in this matter.
On the 26th January A. B., of Latchmere Road, was
attacked with Diphtheria. It was subsequently ascertained
that a few days previously he had visited a case at — Eversleigh
Road.
On the 29th October F. D. was attacked by Diphtheria
after wearing a suit of clothes which, upon enquiry, were found
to have been worn by a person who had died of Diphtheria at
Yarmouth.
Several cases occurred during the year in which the
presence of Diphtheria was not ascertained until after the
post-mortem examination.