View report page

13
Some people regard Scarlatina as a disease which does not demand
the same strict precautions against spread as Scarlet Fever; and many
parishioners have expressed great surprise on being informed that Scarlatina
is essentially Scarlet Fever of a mild type. It would be a gain if all medical
practitioners referred to all such cases, not as Scarlatina but as mild
attacks of Scarlet Fever.
DIPHTHERIA & MEMBRANOUS CROUP.
Thirty five cases were notified, and eight deaths were recorded.
As to the efficacy of Diphtheria Antitoxin, good reports upon its
employment come from all parts of the globe, but, unfortunately, the
remedy is too generally used as a "dernier resort." In the latter part
of the year I forwarded the following circular letter to the practitioners
in the district:—
9th December, 1898.
Dear Doctor,
I am pleased to inform you that I have made arrangements with the
Jenner Institute of Preventive Medicine to keep me supplied with
Diphtheria Antitoxin, which will enable me to let you have the same at
any hour of the day or night.
I also keep by me a special Syringe recommended by the Institute
with full directions as to its use, and the dose recommended.
I need not remind you of the satisfactory results that are obtained
by the early use of Diphtheria Antitoxin, and I feel sure this arrangement
will meet with your hearty approval.
The cost of the Antitoxin will be 2/6 for 2000 units.
Believe me,
Yours faithfully,
G. A. GARRY SIMPSON,
Medical Officer of Health, Acton.