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37
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 78 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
case. During the year Antitoxin was used in several cases, both
for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes.
ENTERIC FEVER.
In Finsbury during 1903 there were only 47 cases of Typhoid
or Enteric Fever. In 1901 there were 65 cases, and in 1902
77. There was in 1903 one death in the district and 10 deaths
among the 45 cases removed to hospital for treatment. The
total number of deaths was therefore only 11, giving a death
rate of 0.10 per 1,000, and a percentage mortality of 23.4 on
the total number of cases.