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visited; there was no one in—his mother was out at work and was
not expected to return until 8.30 p.m. The neighbours stated
that the boy was in school, but did not know which school. The
various schools in the neighbourhood were searched, and after
an hour and a half the boy was found in his class in school with
many other scholars. He was brought to the Public Health
Department and examined at once. He was found to have
severe diphtheria of the nose and throat and was removed to
hospital as soon as possible.
Notice of one case was received from the Commissioner of
Police. A child was taken to a medical man, and its condition
was diagnosed provisionally as a mild case of croup and hooping
cough. The case was conveyed to hospital in a motor cab and
died there the same day of diphtheria. The driver was suspicious
and reported the matter to the police. The cab was afterwards
disinfected.
Cases discharged cured from hospital.—Within a few
days after their arrival home from the fever hospitals, all these
patients are examined very carefully and a record kept of their
condition. A leaflet is given to the parents, its terms explained,
and precautionary measures are advised. If the child has a discharge
from the nose, or if for any other reason the infection is
believed to persist, the mother is advised to take the child to her
own doctor, or if poor to bring it to the public health department.
The conditions found amongst these convalescent patients after
their return home are shown below.
Neck Glands enlarged 11
Nasal Discharge 3
Nasal Voice (Paralysis
of Palate) 3
Sore nostrils 1
Sore angles of the
mouth 1
Ear Discharge 2
Conjunctivitis 8
Anaemia 4
Squint 1
Difficulty of swallowing
2
Severe and persistent
vomiting 1
Weakness of limbs,
probably slight paralysis
following diphtheria
14
Shortness of breath 3
Rashes, possibly due
to the serum 2