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1927
23
are in every instance convinced of their value in the control of
Diphtheria.
In all pioneer work, however, it is well to bear in mind
that accidents may occur and have occurred, and it cannot be
denied that in a very few instances certain serious results have
followed the use of the immunization material. Fatal results
have occurred after the use of Toxin-Antitoxin. Two accidents
were reported in 1924, one in America and one in Austria. Again
in 1927, two further similar occurrences occurred in Russia and
China. All these were the subject of inquiry, and scientific
investigation, and in each case the cause has been traced to its
source.
The latest instance in which fatal results followed is that
of the Bundaberg accident which occurred in January, 1928, and
resulted in 12 deaths. Naturally, the occurrence was seized upon
by certain organizations to bring all experimental medicine into
bad repute. A thorough investigation was made of all the
circumstances by a Royal Commission and a report made to the
Commonwealth House of Representation in Canberra. Certain
steps have been taken to eliminate possible risk in the future, and
a substitute has been found for the original toxin-antitoxin. The
public are now safeguarded by the Therapeutic Substances Act
which came into operation last year and provides for control over
such substances as Diphtheria prophylactic. Every Medical Officer
of Health is anxious to rule out the possibility of accidents which
can harm and hinder progress in the application of one of the
most beneficient preventive measures that have appeared in recent
years.
Tuberculosis.
128 cass of Pulmonary Tuberculosis and 26 cases of other
forms of Tuberculosis were notified during the year; of these
88 were new cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis, and 22 new cases
of other forms of Tuberculosis.
167 cases were removed from the Register during the year,
either through death, residence out of the district or reported
"cured" by the Tuberculosis Officer.
At the end of the year the number of cases on the Register
was:—
Pulmonary. Non-Pulmonary. Total
Male Female Male Female
91 92 21 16 220
The following figures have been kindly supplied by Dr.
Atkinson, the Tuberculosis Medical Officer:—