View report page

135
For number of deaths and death-rates from diphtheria, also see
Tables XVIII. and XIX., page C7.
Bacteriological Examinations.
81 swabbings from throats of doubtful cases of Diphtheria were
forwarded for bacteriological examination to the Lister Institute of Preventive
Medicine.* The Bacillus Diphtherias was isolated in 29 instances
(35.8 per cent.), and the Pseudo Diphtheritic Bacillus in 8 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 am 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 caretaker at the Public Health Offices understands the transmission
of the reports to the medical practitioners, so that the arrangement
will hasten the removal to hospital or isolation at home of patients
suffering from diphtheria.
Errors in Diagnosis.
See pages 76.78 as to cases of diphtheria admitted into Metropolitan
*Sec page 80.