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transmitting the disease nasal and throat swabs may have to be
taken on more than one occasion.
It is known that virulent diphtheria bacilli may be present
in large numbers in the throat and nose of an individual without
there being any clinical symptoms of the disease present. It can
be understood that cases of this type are a distinct menace to
the health of the community as a whole, and it requires no further
comment to demonstrate the importance of the adoption of such
means as swabbing to prevent the spread of this disease until the
population appreciate the value of securing immunisation from
diphtheria. The London County Council doctors also do a considerable
amount of swabbing at the elementary schools, and any
child harbouring suspicious organisms is reported, and the home
address is visited by the Sanitary Inspector for the purpose of
advising medical treatment and segregation.
During 1925 the number of swabs taken in the Public Health
Department was 134. Of these 13 were positive.