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73
Smallpox.
No cases of smallpox were notified in the borough during the
year under review.
The Medical Officer of Health was also not called upon to
perform any vaccinations under the Public Health (Smallpox
Prevention) Regulations, 1917.
Diphtheria.
During the year 439 cases of diphtheria were notified, and
all but seven of these patients were admitted to hospital.
The number of cases subsequently diagnosed as not suffering
from diphtheria was 45. There were 21 secondary cases. There was
only one "Return" case. There were 20 fatal cases of diphtheria
during the year resulting in a case mortality of 5.08 per cent. as
compared with 4.3 per cent. in 1937.
Diphtheria Antitoxin.
Antitoxin is provided by the Council free of charge for the use
of general medical practitioners. During the year 22 phials of 500
units, 44 phials of 1,000 units and 148 phials of 8,000 units of
antitoxin were issued to medical practitioners. Phials of 1,000 units
now replace 500 units previously distributed.
Diphtheria Immunisation.
A clinic for the immunisation of persons against diphtheria
is held weekly at the May ward House Infant Welfare Centre.
Propaganda to encourage attendance at the Clinic is carried
out by means of a leaflet distribution and by posting to parents a
birthday card to every child on its first birthday inviting attendance
at the Infant Welfare Centre, and the Diphtheria Prevention Clinic.
The method of treatment is by the injection of Alum Precipitated
Toxoid for children and Toxoid Antitoxoid Flocules for adult
patients in doses of 0.1 c.c., 0.3 c.c., and 0.5 c.c. at intervals of two
weeks.