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cases of infectious illness in their earliest stages, arrangements have been made for
the interchange of a certain number of nurses between the fever hospitals and the
schools and homes. This scheme came into effect on 1st February, 1934.
A brief review of the incidence of infectious illnesses in the residential schools,
children's homes and children's receiving homes during 1933 is set out below. All
the cases of infectious illness (except scabies and impetigo) were removed to a Council's
hospital. All practicable steps were taken in close co-operation with the officers of
the schools and homes with a view to preventing the spread of infection.
Diphtheria.—Cases of diphtheria were reported during the year from some of
the residential schools and homes as well as a few cases from the children's receiving
homes. Arrangements were made for the swabbing of contacts where considered
necessary, and the facilities afforded by the Council's laboratory at the County Hall
were placed at the disposal of the medical officers of the schools and homes.
Diphtheria investigations were undertaken in 15 schools and homes during the year,
and 791 children were bacteriologically examined by throat and nose culture. Of
these, 56 showed evidence of K.L.B. (53 virulent) and 735 proved to be negative.
Four primary positives still showed evidence of K.L.B. in subsequent cultures. Ear
cultures from three children with otorrhœa yielded avirulent K.L.B. in one instance.
In addition 38 adults (members of the staff) were bacteriologically examined by
throat and nose culture. Of these three showed evidence of K.L.B. (2 virulent).
Scarlet fever.—Owing to the occurrence of 33 cases of scarlet fever amongst the
children at the Shirley residential school, the Education Committee on 8th November,
1933, decided that, subject to the consent of the parents or guardians, the children
should be tested to ascertain which were immune to scarlet fever and which were
susceptible, and that the latter should be actively immunised against the disease.
The general arrangements were similar to those in operation in the residential schools
and children's homes in connection with the active immunisation of the children
against diphtheria which were described in the Annual Report for 1931. The
work commenced at the school on 1st February, 1934. The cases of scarlet fever
that occurred at the other residential schools, homes and receiving homes do not call
for special comment.
Measles.—A number of cases of measles occurred at four schools and homes,
including two receiving homes.
German measles.—Outbreaks of German measles occurred at ten schools and
homes, including one receiving home.
Whooping-cough.—Cases of whooping-cough occurred amongst the children at
three schools and homes, including one receiving home.
Chickenpox.—Cases of chickenpox were reported at twelve schools and homes,
including three receiving homes.
Mumps.—Cases of mumps were reported at five schools and homes, including
one receiving home
Ringworm.—A few cases of scalp ringworm were reported from three schools and
one receiving home.
A number of oases of ringworm also occurred during September amongst the
junior girls at another residential school. An assistant superintendent of school
nurses visited the school and gave advice with regard to the use of combs, etc. The
infected children were sent to the Council's Goldie Leigh hospital for treatment.
Arrangements were made at each of the four schools for the examination of children
under a Wood's glass analytical lamp and this was found to be of great assistance in
the detection of cases.
As it was considered desirable that children entering residential institutions
should be examined under the lamp on admission to the school or home, apart from
any examination of suspects that might be necessary, authority was given in October,
1933, for lamps to be provided at those schools and homes where electric current was