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It will be seen from the preceding table that the total
number of deaths from these zymotic diseases last year was
27 below the average number registered in the last ten years.
Smallpox.—No case of Smallpox was notified in the
Borough during the year, against no case in the previous
year.
Cholera.—No case was reported as due to Cholera, against
no case in the previous year.
Plague.—No case was reported as due to Plague, against
no case in the previous year.
Diphtheria and Diphtheritic Membranous Croup.—Two
hundred and sixty-seven cases were reported as due to
Diphtheria or Diphtheritic Membranous Croup against 233
cases in the previous year. Two hundred and sixty-two cases
were treated at the Isolation Hospitals and 5 at the homes
of the patients. Seventeen deaths were registered The
mortality rate on the cases reported was 6.1 per cent. The
cases were fairly evenly distributed throughout the Borough,
and only in a few instances was it possible to determine
accurately the source of infection.
Anti-toxin.—During the year a supply of Anti-toxin was
kept in the Public Health Department for the use of Medical
Practitioners attending patients residing in the Borough. All
the Medical men in the Borough were again informed by
circular letter that supplies of Anti-toxin could be obtained
at the Town Hall. Although more use was made of this than
in the past, it was only to a small extent. This is to be
regretted, as I am convinced some of the mortality from this
disease would be avoided if greater use were made of the
free supply of Anti-toxin supplied by the Council.
No difficulty was experienced in removing cases to Hospital,
the accommodation available being adequate for the
number of cases.