View report page

Protection Methods.
When the fourth case arose in the alfected class, nine pupils in
the same class, as a result of the Schick test were given 8,000 units
antitoxin in order to prevent further spread amongst the exposed
unprotected children. 0.5 c.c. A.P.T. was given two weeks later to
this group and repeated in a further six weeks. Three month*; later
a post Schick test was performed on five of these children, when
all were now found to be Schick negative
In the remaining classes at the alfected school, 28 pupils received
simultaneously 500 units antitoxin in one arm and 0.5 c.c. A.P.T.
in the other. Six weeks later the group received a repeat dose of
A.P.T. Three months later 22 members of this group were Schick
tested and all were found to have converted to Schick negative.
Anaphylactic Reactions.
Antitoxin treatment was followed in two cases by fleeting urticarial
eruptions. There were no other sequelae.
Treatment of Carriers.
Eight carriers were treated at home and the remainder received
hospital treatment. Sensitivity tests were carried out in each case
before treatment commenced. In all cases the organisms were found
sensitive to sulphanilamide, penicillin, erythromycin, tetracyline and
other antibiotics. Four patients were given orally tablets combining
120 mgm penicillin, and 0.88 G sulphanilamide four hourly for four
days. On re-swabbing three days after completion of this course,
two of the four were found to remain positive. Two children received
oral penicillin alone, 125 mgm 6 hourly for 4 days; one did not
respond. Erythromycin in doses of 200 mgm 6 hourly for 4 days,
was given as the initial treatment in one case, a brawny labourer,
with success, and in three cases where the primary course with other
Medicaments had failed. In two cases this sufficed to effect a cure,
but one case failed completely to respond to penicillin initially, then
Erythromycin and finally 2500 mgm Terramycin 6 hourly for 4
days. He was eventually seen by a Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat
Surgeon, who enucleated his tonsils and adenoids. This operation
efectively cured the carrier condition.
We are indebted to the various members of staff whose vigilance
over several weeks made possible the early ascertainment and
Page 43