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Five return cases occurred during the year and the discharged
patients were examined but showed no signs of being infectious.
The Dick test and active immunisation have not yet been
employed in the Borough.
Diphtheria.—During the year 76 cases of Diphtheria were
notified with 3 deaths as compared with 71 notifications and 1
death the previous year.
Diphtheria Immunisation.—This work is carried out by the
Medical Officer of Health once a week at the Barton House Child
Welfare Centre. In every instance the consent of the parent or
guardian is obtained in writing before the treatment is commenced.
During the year 99 children completed the course of immunising
injections and 59 children were re-Schick tested at intervals of
three to four months after the protective inoculations. Of these,
54 were found to be definitely negative and 5 to be still slightly
positive. These positive reactors were given a further injection
to ensure adequate protection.
The number of children protected is comparatively small but.
dissemination of information on the subject of diphtheria protection
was continued by means of leaflets drawing parents' attention
to the danger of the disease and to the facilities for immunisation
available at the Council's Welfare Centres.
Diphtheria Anti-toxin.—A supply of Anti-toxin is kept in the
Public Health Department for sale to local medical practitioners
in urgent cases.
During the year 1 tube of 8,000 units was sold to a medical
practitioner.
Enteric Fever.—2 cases of Typhoid Fever were notified, and
confirmed bacteriologically. The history of each case was investigated,
but it was found impossible to trace the sources of infection.
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