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88 cases went to Hospital, of whom 23 died, giving a death
rate of 26 per cent. The death rate at home was 33 per cent.
The death rate at home, in the past three years, was 30,32, and
25 per cent. respectively, and at Hospital 50, 35, and 19 per cent.
respectively. Thus we see that, for the cases treated at home,
the fatality last year was greater than in any recent year. For
cases treated at Hospital, the fatality last year was greater
than in 1895, but much less than in 1893 and 1894. I believe
that in the Hospitals all serious cases are treated with Antitoxin
serum, but it is to be presumed that few such cases are
so treated at home. Whence the striking change in the
incidence of mortality.
24. The following are the rates in the several wards of
cases occurring per 1,000 population, in the order of frequency:
West, 44; North-West, 4 3; South-West, 4.1; South, 3.8;
South-East, 3 0; East, 2.7; North-East, 2.4; and North, 2.2.
The West and North-West wards include St. James' Parish,
which has, for several years, had the highest prevalence of
Diphtheria.
The South-West Ward was more affected than in recent
years.
Bloomfield and Ancona Road Schools were most affected.
25. Table V. shews that the 198 cases occurred in 175
houses. In only 23 houses did the infection affect other
inmates.
26. No doubt mild cases occur which are never suspected;
in others there may be some symptoms pointing to Diphtheria,
but the case being slight, is not notified, and after a short stay
at home returns to school to infect others.
I saw, in consultation with the medical attendant, two or