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38
Diphtheria and Membranous Croup.
A total of 716 cases of diphtheria and 9 cases of membranous croup
have been notified, but, bacteriologically, all these cases were not,
necessarily, true cases. Even the bacillus diphtheria (Klebs.Lœffler),
when found in the throat or nose, without concurrent clinical symptoms,
may be of the non.virulent type, and, correspondingly, harmless and
negligible—at least in the opinion of some bacteriologists.
The following is the method that is being adopted, at piesent, in
Lambeth. 1( the Klebs.Lceffler bacilli found in pure cultivation are
virulent to guinea pigs, the strictest precautionary measures are taken
(notification, isolation, exclusion from schools, disinfection, &c.). If
the Klebs.Loeffler bacilli found in pure cultivation are non.virulent to
guinea pigs, the above.mentioned precautionary measures are not
insisted upon. The method is experimental.
Measles and German Measles.
These diseases still remain compulsorily.notifiable throughout the
Borough under the terms of the Public Health (Measles and German
Measles) Temporary Regulations, 1919, which came into force on
December 31st, 1919, continuing in force in certain Districts (set out in
the Schedule) the provisions of the Public Health (Measles and German
Measles) Regulations, 191 5, until (in the case of the Borough of Lambeth)
March 31st, 1920, and since, by further Order of the Ministry of Health.
These temporary Regulations were necessary on account of the issuing
of the Public Health (Measles and German Measles) Regulations, 1915,
Rescission Order, 1919, rescinding the Public Health (Measles and
German Measles Regulations, 1915, as from December 31st, 1919.
Every case of Measles and German Measles when notified is.
officially visited and such precautionary measures are taken in connection
therewith as may be found necessary, including, in the case of
both Measles and German Measles, the systematic exclusion of nonprotected
contact children (i.e., children who have not previously had the
disease) and all contact children under 5 years of age from schools, or, if
desirable, the closing of an individual class or class rooms. There is
no interference with medical treatment by the Council.s Officers, but
medical attendance is advised in all cases, and nursing, free of cost,
is provided by the Council in suitable cases as required under the
Lambeth Nursing (Infectious Diseases) Scheme in connection with
sequeloe.