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47
The cases discharged from hospital with nasal discharge, ear
discharge or sore throat were, after their return home, examined
by the Medical Officer of Health, and swabs taken from the
throats and noses. Five such cases occurred in 1923. Thirtyfive patients upon discharge had enlarged neck glands. Two
patients had sores on the lips and face.
Swabs are examined bacteriologically free of charge for
medical men by the Public Health Department. In 1923, 464
specimens were submitted, with positive results in 82 instances.
A supply of diphtheria anti-toxin serum is kept at the Public
Health Office, and is available gratis for doctors on request, for
the treatment of Finsbury patients prior to removal to hospital
or for patients treated at home. A fee of 2s. 6d. is paid for
each case where the serum is injected between 9 a.m. and
9 p.m. A fee of 5s. per case is paid where the serum is injected
after 9 p.m. and before 9 a.m.
Scarlet Fever.—There were 183 notifications of scarlet
fever. Of these 18 were subsequently sent home as not suffering
from scarlet fever, leaving 165 true cases. There were 2 deaths.
Two cases were treated at home; suitable measures were taken
to ensure the isolation of the patients. The rest, 163 in number,
were treated in hospital.