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65
DIPHTHERIA (INCLUDING MEMBRANOUS CROUP).
There were 93 cases of diphtheria notified during 1938, 2 deaths resulting.
The highest number of cases reported in any one week was 6. In 1937 there were
108 cases and 3 deaths.
The cases were more or less evenly distributed, as usual, throughout the borough,
and only in a few instances was it possible to determine accurately the source of
infection. In 7 cases the source appeared to be a member of the family previously
infected; in 11 cases infection was counted to have been acquired in school, and
in 12 cases in an institution.
The number of swabs from doubtful cases submitted for bacteriological examination
was 678, a positive result being returned in 47 instances.
Of the registration districts, that contributing the largest number of cases
was Christ Church with 30. In All Souls the number was 29, in St. Mary 23 and
in St. John 11.
The age group 5—10 was mo3t affected, 29 of the cases falling into this group.
Diphtheria Antitoxin.
Two applications were made for a free supply of antitoxin under the Diphtheria
Antitoxin (London) Order, 1910.
Diphtheria Immunisation.
The Schick Testing and Diphtheria Immunisation Clinic opened at the beginning
of 1928, continued to operate under Dr. Bulman at Health Centre No. 1 (temporary
premises, No. 181, Marylebone Road) and at the Middlesex Hospital. T.A.F.
(Toxoid-Antitoxin-Floccules in suspension) was the only diphtheria prophylactic
employed.
Table 41 gives details of the work carried out during the year.

Table 42 provides interesting information in respect of diphtheria amongst the
child population of the Borough and the results of immunisation against the disease
during the last three years.