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13
Only in 14 houses did the disease affect more than one
person.
As in former years the disease fell most heavily on the age
period 1-5, and next most heavily on the period 5-10.
33. As possibly connected with the disease of Diphtheria
we may take note that up to the middle of the year, 21 ventilating
shafts have been erected and 15 manholes closed.
These changes were principally in the West and South East
wards, viz:—There were 6 shafts erected in the South East
ward, and 5 in the West; 3 in the South, 2 in the North
West, and 1 each in the North East, North, and East wards.
34. Two cases contracted Diphtheria on their return from
Hospital, after having Scarlet Fever, one within nine days, the
other within five days of return.
35. There were 16 cases in the first quarter of the year, 20
in the second, 30 in the third, and 66 in the fourth quarter.
Thus, as with Scarlet Fever, the great majority of the cases
occurred in the fourth quarter. This is usually the case,
though not to so marked an extent.
36. I learn from the last annual report of the Medical
Officer of the County Council that, in five sanitary districts,
arrangements have been made to afford facilities to medical
practitioners for bacteriological examination in doubtful cases
of Diphtheria. The districts referred to are: St. Pancras, St.
Marylebone, St. Olave's, Holborn, and the Strand. St. George's,
Southwark, is proposing to follow suit. The same practice is
pursued at Aberdeen, Bristol, Croydon, Dundee, Leeds, Liverpool,
Londonderry, Manchester, Newcastle, St. Helen's,
Sheffield, &c.