View report page

62
Here, then, we have a history of one little hoy in an institution
contracting infection from a diphtheria nurse and through him
and through the nurse 15 other persons came into the way of
infection. Five remained quite well. Six others had sore
(diphtheritic) throats. Four others got true diphtheria. Prompt
investigation coupled with antiseptic applications to the throats
and inoculation of anti-toxin, stamped out what, in all probability,
would have been a considerable outbreak of Diphtheria.
Bacteriological Diagnosis has been taken advantage of
in 112 cases of Diphtheria. Of these, 27 proved to be positive,
and 85 gave a negative result.
The Bacteriological Diagnosis is used only in doubtful cases.
If the case is one showing the ordinary clinical signs of
Diphtheria it is notified forthwith. In one or two instances cases
having the clinical signs of Diphtheria have yielded a negative
bacteriological result. Such results may be due to failure to take
a sufficiently firm swab, previous treatment of the throat with
antiseptics, or delay in taking the specimen. It should be understood
that a negative result is not therefore absolutely to be
relied upon, but must be taken along with the initial symptoms
and with the nature and history of the case. Of the total
examinations made in doubtful Diphtheria 76 per cent. were
negative.
In addition to making arrangements by which every medical
practitioner can obtain the advantages of free bacteriological
diagnosis, the Borough Council has also authorised me to supply
Diphtheria Antitoxin to medical men in private practice in
Finsbury. The stock is kept at the Town Hall, and one dose
will be supplied, free of charge, for each notification received.
Additional doses may be obtained from me at cost price.
Application should be made at the time of notification. I shall
also be able to supply doses of Antitoxin, gratis, to any medical
practitioner who desires to use it for prophylactic purposes, e.g.,
in children who have been in family contact with the notified