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48
Diphtheria.
The number of cases of Diphtheria notified in Battersea during
1934 was 557 as compared with 396 in 1933, 312 in 1932, 298 in
1931, and 489 in 1930.
The number of deaths registered from the disease was 20,
giving a death-rate of 0.13, as compared with 12 deaths and a deathrate
of 0.08 in 1933, 9 deaths and a death-rate of 0.06 in 1932,
5 deaths and a death-rate of 0.03 in 1931, and 15 deaths and a
death-rate of 0.09 in 1930.
All the 557 cases notified were removed to hospital. The infected
houses numbered 487.
In 61 other cases notified (not included in the above total) the
diagnosis of Diphtheria was not confirmed at hospital.
The case-rate per 1,000 population was 3.69 as compared
with 2.57 in 1933, 1.99 in 1932, 1.86 in 1931, and 3.04 in 1930.
The case-mortality was 3.59 per cent. as compared with 3.03 per
cent. in 1933, 2.88 per cent. in 1932, 1.68 per cent. in 1931, and
3.07 per cent, in 1930.
The incidence of the disease was highest in the Winstanley,
Latchmere and Church Wards.
Diphtheria anti-toxin, in accordance with the recommendation
of the Ministry of Health, is supplied free of charge on the request
of any registered medical practitioner, at any hour of the day or
night.
During the year 12 phials (approximately 118,000 units) of
anti-toxin were supplied, on request, to medical practitioners
practising in the Borough.
Schick Clinic.
The Schick Clinic, established at the close of 1927, is held
weekly at the Southlands Maternity and Child Welfare Centre.
The work is carried on under the supervision of Dr. F. Porter
Smith, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.
The result of the year's work is summarised as follows:—
Sessions held 50
Patients attending in 1934 (new 259) 353
Attendances 1134
„ (average per session) 22.7
Patients tested—
New (including 3 second tests) 188
Old (including 15 second tests) 19
207
(Positive 138, negative on 1st test 44, on
second 18, no reading 7)