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38
Diphtheria.
The Diphtheria cases occurring in the district again shewed
a decrease as compared with the preceding year, in tact it was the
lowest number recorded in any year since 1899. The number
of deaths was 6, or a death rate of 11.7 per cent., or of .2 per
1,000 persons living. 82.3 per cent. of the cases were treated
in the Hospital, where the death rate was 9.5 per cent. that is
nearly 2 per cent. less than outside. The age period between one
year and under five was the most fatal, no less than 83 per cent.
of the cases occurring then.
I should like again to draw the attention of the Council to the
following resolution passed by the London County Council with
regard to the prevention of Diphtheria in Schools:—
"That the Education Committee be authorised to refuse
during the presence of Diphtheria in any district re-admission
to school of children excluded on account of Diphtheria or
Sore Throat until such children shall have obtained a medical
certificate of freedom from infection, based on a bacteriological
examination."
I also recommend that a further resolution be passed that no
child should be allowed to return to school until two weeks have
elapsed after he or she has been discharged from Hospital, or
certified as " clear " when treated at home.
I append the following table for comparison with former
years:—