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44
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. 5 such cases occurred in 1925. 26 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 1925, 647 specimens
were submitted, with positive results in 96 instances. A supply of
diptheria 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 283 notifications of scarlet fever in
1925. Of these 22 were subsequently sent home as not suffering
from scarlet fever, leaving 261 true cases. There were no deaths.
All the patients were treated in hospital, excepting one.
The case treated at home was kept under observation, suitable
measures were adopted to secure isolation and the premises were
disinfected upon the recovery of the patient