View report page

8
In all, 200 bacteriological examinations were made, and the last
affected child returned to the nursery on the 11th October.
This outbreak would indicate:
1. The importance of keeping constant watch on the children in
day nurseries to exclude any infection, and that loose motions
in all cases should be investigated.
2. That one negative swab cannot be regarded as a final diagnosis
of freedom from infection.
3. That a constant high standard of cleanliness is essential for all
staff who are handling the children or the foodstuffs, and that
this high standard of cleanliness is dependent on adequate
washing facilities.
Diphtheria Immunisation.
During the first half of the year free immunisation against diphtheria
was obtainable:—
(a) At Borough Council clinics held weekly at No. 230, Haverstock
Hill, N.W.3 (Wednesdays, 2 to 3 p.m.), and No. 60, West
End Lane, N.W.6 (Fridays, 2 to 3 p.m.).
(b) In L.C.C. Schools under the school medical service.
(c) Through private doctors in accordance with a scheme operated
by the Borough Council whereby prophylactic, i.e., alum
precipitated toxoid, was made available to medical practitioners
who received payment in accordance with the approved scale
of the British Medical Association.
(d) Re-inforcing doses, which it is advised should be given at 5 years
and 10 years of age, were obtainable through a private
doctor, or at the Borough Council clinics.
The estimated percentages of children immunised up to 4th July,
1948, are :—Under 5 years, 59 per cent.; of school age, 81 per cent. The
total number of children immunised since free immunisation was commenced
in the Borough in mid-1933 is 8,570.
Year.
Children : 0—15 years.
Number immunised
under official
arrangements.
Number of
cases of
Diphtheria.
Number of
deaths from
Diphtheria.
1928 Nil 55 3
1929 Nil 42 2
1930 Nil 63 2
1931 Nil 44 2
1932 Nil 46 3
1933 192 81 1
1934 94 7
1935 503 44 Nil
1936 343 31 Nil
1937 328 57 4
1938 343 55 Nil
1939 220 20 1
1940 24 5 Nil
1941 824 9 2
1942 1,336 10 Nil
1943 837 3 1
1944 468 2 Nil
1945 725 1 Nil
1946 931 3 Nil
1947 904 Nil Nil
1948 (half year) 592 Nil Nil