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104
patient. Unfortunately, they occur in most fever hospitals, and
point to flaws in their internal administration. Two caught
diphtheria on visits to friends or relatives—seven on visits to
places of entertainment.
Twelve were infected by school fellows or play fellows in the
same blocks of model dwellings. Three developed the disease after
recent attacks of measles. The association between the two
diseases, measles and diphtheria, is often a close one. There
were two return cases.
Cases discharged cured from Hospitals.—A few days
after their arrival home from fever hospitals, all 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 a 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 20
Nasal Discharge 4
Sore Nostrils 1
Ear Discharge 1
Sores on face or ears 1
Anaemia 12
Sore Throat 2
Squint 2
Difficulty of swallowing 1
Vomiting 3
Weakness of limbs, probably
slight paralysis
following diphtheria 14
Shortness of breath 7
It is quite possible that some of the cases in the above list were
discharged from hospital rather a little too soon.
The cases discharged from hospital with nasal discharge or 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 1914, 116
specimens were submitted with positive results in 22 instances.
A supply of diphtheria antitoxin serum is kept at the public health
office, and is available gratis for doctors on request.