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THE STRAND DISTRICT, I.0ND0N.
17
leaving thirty.four children at home in addition to the first three
returned from hospital. As time went on, the organisms in these
thirty.seven throats became less and less typical in form (although
some remained typical for a considerable time), and by June 15
all had disappeared.*
So soon as the children were free of infection they were
removed to a Home in the country, but one of the children who
returned from hospital on the previous day brought with her the
infection of scarlet fever, which she developed on the night of the
party's arrival in the country and also infected several others. The
premises during their abseuce were thoroughly cleansed, and it was
hoped on their return that there would be no re.appearance of
either disease. Unfortunately, several cases occurred in November
and December, and were apparently co.incident with the return
of one of the girls from hospital where she had been for six
months. The outbreak was again stopped by the giving of a
dose of antitoxic serum to the remaining children.
This outbreak carries with it a number of instructive lessons.
It shows the great assistance which may be derived from
bacteriological examinations of the throats of persons who have
had diphtheria, who may be suspected to have it, or who may
have been exposed to the infection. Tt shows very clearly that a
great many persons may be in an infective condition without
exhibiting any symptoms, or with symptoms which may be readily
taken for a simple sore throat. It shows the necessity for much
greater care being taken than is at present generally done to prevent
persons recovering from the disease mixing with others before
the throat can be shewn to be free from all danger to others.
The susceptibility of children at school age to diphtheria is well
recognised, and it is evident that the chances of infection may be
introduced into a school by children coming from an affected house
or family, and this fact goes to show the fallacy of the argument
* The throats were found to be free from infection—
In 12 instances in 12 days
In 22 „ „ 28 „
In 1 „ „ 44 „
In 2 „ ,, 101 „
from the date on which their presence was first recognised.
B