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This test has been followed up by using a toxin mixture for
immunising those who are susceptible to the disease, and good
results have been obtained in fever hospitals by protecting probationer
Nurses and other susceptible persons who are daily in
contact with Scarlet Fever. It is also claimed that injections of a
toxin mixture reduces the severity of the disease and cuts short
the pyrexial period.
Much of this work is in the experimental stage, but the outlook
is promising, and it is hoped that further research will add to our
knowledge in a way that will indicate to us practical methods of
protection against an attack and of reducing its severity when it
occurs.
DIPHTHERIA.—Eleven cases of Diphtheria—3 males and 8
females—were notified during the year, and one death occurred, a
girl aged 6 year.
The following are the ages in age-period of those attacked: —
1-5 5-10 10-15 15-25 25-45
0 5 1 3 2
The diagnosis of Diphtheria was confirmed by bacteriological
examination in all of the cases notified.
The incidence of this disease has been on the decline of late
years, the annual numbers since 1921 being 32, 23, 15, 18, and 11
respectively. With the exception of the year 1916, when only 10
cases were notified, this year's notifications are lower than any
year since 1890, when notification became compulsory.
The number of cases notified and the deaths during the last
three decades are as follows: —
Decade. No. of Oases. No. of Deaths.
1896-1906 343 44
1906-1915 650 44
1916-1925 260 17