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78
Scarlet Fever.
The total notifications received numbered 643 and the total removals
were 632. Of these, 32 cases were later certified to be not suffering from
Scarlet Fever, leaving a total of 611 cases, the attack-rate being 4.0
per 1,000 of population.
3 deaths occurred, giving a fatality rate of 0.5 per cent.
Diphtheria.
The total notifications received numbered 453 and the total removals
to hospital were 453. 49 patients were certified to be suffering from other
diseases, leaving a total of 404 cases, the attack-rate being 2.6 per 1,000
of population.
17 deaths occurred, giving a fatality rate of 4.2 per cent.
The following table shows the intervals between (a) onset of the
disease and the calling in of a Doctor and (b) onset of the disease and
removal to hospital:—
The average time was (a) 2.45 days; (range same day to 8 days).
(b) 3.45 " (" " " 16 ").
Diphtheria Anti-toxin.
178,000 units of diphtheria anti-toxin were issued to medical
practitioners during the year.
This is 30,000 units less than the quantity issued in the previous
year, when there were fewer cases; but it is explained by the fact that
medical practitioners are urged, as soon as a diagnosis is made, to have
the patient removed to a fever hospital.
The supply of anti-toxin is kept at the Public Health Office and is
available day or night for the use of medical practitioners in the Borough.
Care is taken to see that old stock is renewed in accordance with the
instructions on each phial.