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98
Two of the cases were at first medically treated a few days for
influenza and measles respectively before their true nature was
recognised. Another case was of the hemorrhagic type, and
characterised by profuse and recurrent bleedings from the nose and
under the skin. The significance of these haemorrhages was not
recognised for seven days.
Two cases were originally notified as ones of scarlet fever.
The mother of one patient stated that she thought her child was
infected from a second-hand counterpane which had been bought
in a market street. The counterpane was dirty and fouled, and
had been used to cover the child concerned. It is very desirable
that these second-hand clothes which are now sold in market
streets should be disinfected and cleansed before being exposed
for sale. It is curious that soiled and filthy garments are not
allowed to enter South African ports save under a certificate from
a Medical Officer of Health to the effect that such garments have
been steam disinfected prior to export. They may, however, be
sold in London streets freely and openly in their fouled, stinking
and verminous condition. The wonder is that anybody will buy
them.
The removal of one case gave rise to some difficulty. The patient
was a slum girl beyond the control of her parents. She had been
notified to have diphtheria,, but evaded removal by going out veryearly
every morning and returning after midnight. She was
eventually captured at home at 5 o'clock in the morning and
removed to hospital.
The cases discharged from hospital with nasal discharge and
sore throat were, after their return home, examined by the Medical
Officer of Health, and swabs taken from the throats and noses.
The diphtheria bacillus was not found present in any case.
These swabs are examined bacteriologically free of charge for
medical men by the Public Health Department. In 1913, 82
specimens were submitted with positive results in 12 instances. A
supply of diphtheria antitoxin serum is kept at the public health
office, and is available gratis for doctors on request.