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61
The Children's Homes—Public Assistance Committee.
Immunisation was commenced during the year and during its
inception a small outbreak of Diphtheric infection arose. It is of
interest to give the position of the cases in relation to immunisation
and the details are appended hereto. The first case who
exhibited clinical symptoms of Diphtheria had been found Schick
positive and developed the disease two days after the first dose of
toxoid-antitoxin. It is obvious that, in as much as immunisation
had only just commenced, the incidence of Diphtheria in this case
does not denote any breakdown in immunisation.
The second case was a contact of the previous one. This boy
had a positive nasal swab but was otherwise quite well. At no
time did any clinical symptoms arise. He was Schick negative.
The third case showed a positive throat swab but was otherwise
quite well and had no clinical symptoms of Diphtheria. He also
was Schick negative.
The fourth case was exactly similar to the third.
The fifth case showed mild Diphtheria symptoms and had a
positive throat swab. This child had had 3 injections of toxoidantitoxin
but had left the Homes before being re-Schicked. His
original Schick had been positive and probably if he had been
retested it would have been found that he was still positive and
consequently required a second course of injections.
The sixth case was in all respects similar to case No. 2.
CASES SCHICK TESTED.
Individuals who have attended Clinic:—
Definite School cases 370
Definite M. and C.W. cases 73
Under 5 years of age but not sent from
M. and C.W 60
Nursery School 9
Public Assistance 62
Ballards 28
The Convent 236
838