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190 swabs from suspected diphtheria throats were examined
at the Laboratory during 1904, and, of these, 19, i.e., 10.0 percent.,
shewed the presence of the true klebs-Lœffler (diphtheria)
bacilli.
No "return" cases have been found during 1904 connected
with the intimations of discharged Lambeth patients received
from the Metropolitan Asylums Board.
The value of antitoxin* as a remedy for Diphtheria is now
acknowledged, more especially when used in the early stages of
the diseases, e.g., first or second days. During 1904, 69 vials
have been distributed gratuitously in Lambeth Borough by the
Council.
MEMBRANOUS CROUP.
During 1904, in the Borough of Lambeth, 11 cases were notified
from Membranous Croup, and 1 death was registered, giving a
case-mortality of 9.1 per cent. as compared with a yearly
average of 26 cases notified and 8 deaths registered throughout
the old Parish of Lambeth during 10 years (1891-1900).
3 cases were removed to Hospital.
In London, during 1904, there were registered 729 deaths, out
of a total of 7,224 cases of Diphtheria and Membranous Croup
notified, giving a case-mortality of 10.1 per cent.† (uncorrected).
TYPHOID FEVER.
During 1904, 11 deaths were registered in the Borough of
Lambeth from Typhoid (Enteric) Fever, and a total of 101 cases
notified, giving a case-mortality of 10.9 per cent. Of the 101
* Antitoxin first gratuitously distributed in Lambeth by the late Vestry
on August 3rd, 1899.
† In London Statistics, Diphtheria and Membranous Croup are now
grouped together by the Registrar-General.