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19
Diphtheria.
During the year 204 cases of Diphtheria were
notified, as against 190 last year, and 161 in 1906. The
largest number of cases occurred at Mitcham, Beddington
and Wallington. One hundred and fifty-seven of these
cases were removed to the Isolation Hospital.
Fifteen deaths were registered as against 24 last year.
Antitoxin is provided free of charge to all medical
men practising in this district, and as most of the cases
occur amongst the very poor, the question of expense to
them in providing antitoxin does not arise, so no reason
exists why antitoxin should not be given at the earliest
possible moment as soon as the disease is even only
suspected.
Typhoid Fever.
During 1908, 16 cases of Typhoid Fever were
notified, as against 15 last year, and S3 in 1906. Twelve
of these cases were removed to the Hospital. Of the 16
cases the disease had a fatal ending in only two cases.
Phthisis.
A small decrease took place in the number of deaths
registered from Phthisis, viz., 50 as against 51 last year.
During the year I have examined the sputum of 49
persons with a positive result in 27 cases.
Disinfection (repeated in several instances) has
again been largely carried out in the rooms occupied by
Phthisical persons, and the clothing, bedding, etc., has
been systematically dealt with at the Council's Disinfecting
Station.