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Scarlet Fever.—The prevalence of this disease which began in the
latter half of 1913, increased markedly in 1914, but was of a very mild
type, and many cases were so slight that the nature of the disease was
not recognised unless a well-marked case occurred in the house. The
notifications were 848; there were 379 in the previous year. There
were 10 deaths.
Diphtheria.—There was also a greater prevalence of this disease
in London. In Westminster there were 188 notifications against 192
in 1913. There were 15 deaths. Anti-toxin was supplied in cases
treated at home.
Advantage was taken by medical men of the means provided by the
City Council to have the diagnosis of their cases assisted by bacteriological
examination of swabbings from the nose or throat in 256 cases.
In connection with one of the diphtheria cases, it was found that
previous to the illness a cat had been ill with some obstruction in its
throat and had died, and its two kittens subsequently died with similar
trouble. These had been nursed by the patient who eventually
developed diphtheria. The bodies of the cats had been destroyed so
that examination could not be made.
Typhoid Fever.—Of the 50 persons notified in the City, 7 were
eventually declared not to be so suffering.