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108
For number of deaths and death-rates from diphtheria, also see
Tables XVIII. and XIX., page 47.
Bacteriological Examinations.
124 swabbings from throats of doubtful cases of Diphtheria were
forwarded for bacteriological examination to the Lister Institute of Preventive
Medicine.* The Bacillus Diphtheriæ was isolated in 35 instances
(28.22 per cent.), and the Pseudo Diphtheritic Bacillus in 16 cases.
On 9th December, 1909, a letter was received from the Lister
Institute of Preventive Medicine with reference to the transmission of
reports on the results of bacteriological examinations for the Bacillus of
Diphtheria and therein it was stated as follows:—
"All specimens from suspected cases of Diphtheria in your
district received before 10 a.m. on week-days (Saturdays excepted),
will be reported on if Positive the same evening between 5.30 and
6 p.m. by telegram, telephone or post, either to you, or to the
sender of the specimen, as you may prefer. If the result is
Negative no report will be sent until confirmed by the next
morning's examination.
"All specimens received at any time on Saturdays up to 10
p.m. will be reported upon by telegram or telephone to the senders
of the specimens on Sunday forenoons if required, and the results
will be confirmed by post to you on Mondays, but it is requested
that the Institute may be informed whether your Council desire
reports on Sundays and will authorise the cost of telegrams when
it is not possible to telephone."
The old arrangement was that, providing the specimen was received
at the Lister Institute before 6 p.m., the result of the examination was
forwarded to the Public Health Offices at about noon the following day,
but if the specimen were received at the Institute either on Saturday or
later than 6 p.m. on any other week-day, a day elapsed before the result
of the examination was known at these Offices.
On 10th December, 1909, the Assistant Secretary of the Lister
Institute of Preventive Medicine, was written to as follows:—
"The Caretaker of these Offices understands the transmission
* See page 61.