London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London

Holborn 1933

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Holborn Borough]

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Table: Diphtheria Contacts.As in former years we have continued to swab all diphtheria contacts amongschool children and toddlers.

Diphtheria Contacts.As in former years we have continued to swab all diphtheria contacts amongschool children and toddlers.

Results of Bacteriological Examinations and Virulence Tests.
No. of contacts swabbed53
Negative at first examination46
Positive at first examination7 (13.2 per cent.)
Virulence tests madenil

Table: Analysis of the swab results relating to the contacts is given below: —

Analysis of the swab results relating to the contacts is given below: —

Contacts swabbed.Positive Results.Contacts positive.
Nose and Throat.Nose only.Throat only.
First Examination53—7-7*
Second ,,6--——

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* 1 positive contact removed to L.C.C. Fever Hospital.
The parents or others in charge of children harbouring diphtheria bacilli were
given written directions as to the precautions necessary.
The results of the examinations of child contacts were communicated to the
School Medical Department of the London County Council so that children
harbouring diphtheria bacilli could be kept from school providing there was no
evidence that the organisms were avirulent.
Diphtheria antitoxin was available free of charge on application by medical
practitioners. 85,000 units wore supplied for five cases, two of these being for
prophylaxis.
Diphtheria "Carriers." Information was received from the School Medical
Officer (L.C.C.) of four children excluded from school as suspected diphtheria
"carriers;" all were referred for treatment to special clinics for diphtheria
"carriers."
The Schick Test and Immunisation against Diphtheria.
This work has been carried on since 1922 at the Council's Maternity and
Child Welfare Centre, 10, John Street, on Wednesday afternoons.
Enquiries as to the effect of the testing and inoculation on the individual were
made as a routine; we are able to record that any disturbance caused was
negligible. The use of toxoid antitoxin does away with the risk of fatality incurred
by using improperly-made toxin antitoxin.