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Bacteriological examinations were used as an aid to
diagnosis. In this way it was possible, in the first place,
to definitefy recognise as diphtheria those patients presenting
clinical symptoms suggestive of the disease, and secondly to isolate
" carrier " cases, i.e., cases presenting, on bacteriological examination,
evidence of the presence of the diphtheria bacillus, but
showing no apparent clinical symptoms. In addition all cases
presenting evidence of the presence of pseudo-diphtheria
organisms, were also isolated and kept under observation, and
systematic clinical and bacteriological examinations carried out
in connection therewith.
All cases presenting evidence of the presence (either clinical
or bacteriological) of diphtheria were immediately removed to
the Infirmary. Other suspects were isolated in the rooms (of
which there are several available) in the Junior School, and given
an injection of antitoxin. As a prophylactic measure a small dose
was injected into every child in the Junior School. Elaborate precautions
were taken to prevent the further spread of the disease
to the Senior School, and these proved entirely successful.
The milk supply to the school was bacteriologically examined
and found to be satisfactory.
Disinfection was carried out by the Borough Council, all
infected and suspected clothing being collected and removed to
the Council's Disinfecting Station for the purpose. The
dormitories and class-rooms in both the Junior and Senior Schools
were disinfected from time to time, as required, by the Council's
officers.
All vessels, spoons, forks, towels, and other articles used by
the children in the Junior School were carefully sterilised each
time after use.
The drains of the Institute were examined and found to be
defective, and are now being reconstructed.
G