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diphtheria immunisation was introduced locally, while even compared
with the improved average for the last 10 years, II fewer cases have
needed to be admitted to hospital. Apart from the financial economy
and the reduction in the loss of health and working time which this
absence of cases has meant, the saving in manpower has been very
considerable, and particularly welcome at a time when the hospital has
had such difficulty in finding sufficient nurses.
Scarlet Fever.
A total of 78 cases of scarlet fever was notified during 1947, which
is 15 fewer than in the previous year and about the average for the last
15 years. The disease continued to be mild in character, but unfortunately
was the underlying cause of death in one middle-aged adult
male.
Three-quarters of the cases were schoolchildren, while 3 of the 10
adult cases were associated with school cases, as were also 3 of the 9
children below school age who suffered from the disease.
Thirty of the cases were treated at home and in only one instance
did a second member of the family contract scarlet fever, which might
well have happened even if the primary case had been admitted to
hospital. One secondary case of this type did, in fact, occur during
the year, while in one or two instances infection followed the discharge
from hospital of the primary case.
Undoubtedly, however, school life, including the voluntary activities
associated therewith, appears to produce the greatest risk of infection
and, as it is coupled with the susceptibility of the age groups in attendance,
results in the majority of cases. It is very difficult, however, to
eradicate infection, particularly during the present mild phase of the
disease.
Erysipelas.
Five cases of erysipelas were notified during the year, this being
3 less than in 1946 and fewer than in the majority of preceding years.
One case was treated in the Isolation Hospital and one at Redhill County
Hospital, the others being treated at home. All recovered.
Puerperal Pyrexia.
One maternity case only was notified as suffering from puerperal
pyrexia, which had developed while the patient was resident in the
District, and she recovered after treatment at the Isolation Hospital.
Information was also received regarding a resident who developed
but recovered from puerperal pyrexia while in Redhill County Hospital.
Enteric Fever.
One case of typhoid fever was notified in September and, the
diagnosis having been made in Redhill County Hospital, the patient was
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