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Sixty.four retests were performed, 61 being negative. Three cases
were positive or doubtful, and received additional treatment. Three
cases which had required extra treatment in the previous year were found
to be negative at a second retest in 1932. Retests are not performed
until at least six months have elapsed after the inoculations as the
immunity process started by these injections does not have its full effect
for several months. Until a negative retest has been obtained, there is
no definite indication that satisfactory protection has been received.
The retest is therefore of the utmost importance.
Antitoxin, for use in cases of diphtheria, is provided free of charge
for medical practitioners attending patients residing in the City. The
supply is available on application at the City Hall and at the Council's
Mortuary in Horseferry Road. It is apparent from the small amount
used (12 bulbs, each containing 8,000 units) that practitioners prefer
to send their patients at once into the fever hospitals, where antitoxin
is administered on admission to all cases of clinical diphtheria.
Enteric Fever.—There were 7 cases of typhoid and paratyphoid
which came to the knowledge of the department during 1932. Of these
2 were notified as paratyphoid and 5 as typhoid. There was a history
of oysters having been consumed in 1 case, 3 cases came from abroad,
and no history was obtainable in 3 cases.
There were no deaths. The death rate of this disease for England
and Wales was 0.01. The case rate for England and Wales was 0'06
and for Westminster 0.05.
Measles.—The following table shows the number of cases notified
by head teachers of schools, hospitals and private practitioners during
the last five years :—
1928. 1929. 1930. 1931. 1932.
997 381 551 74 810