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70
Diphtheria.—The number of cases of diphtheria notified
during the year was 52, compared with 228 in the previous year,
and 195 in 1934. The total of 52 cases may be expressed as a
case-rate of 0.35 per thousand of population and only on one
previous occasion, in 1904, when the diphtheria case-rate was
0.34, has the disease been less prevalent in the Borough.
The distribution of the cases according to age and the numbers
occurring in each Ward are indicated on page 68.
The occurrence of cases throughout the year was as follows:—
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
7 1 3 13 11 6 3 5 — 1 1 1
The almost complete absence of the disease in the last four
months of the year, when a total of only three cases occurred,
is most remarkable. In the previous two years the accommodation
in the Isolation Hospital had been insufficient to meet the demands
for admission, but in the year under review there was, of course,
no difficulty in dealing with the cases. The small number of cases
was particularly fortunate as the accommodation in the Isolation
Hospital was reduced for a period while the extensions were being
proceeded with.
During the year eight deaths were recorded, equivalent to a
death-rate of 0.06 per thousand of population and a mortalityrate
of 15.39 per cent. of cases notified, compared with figures of
0.11 and 6.58 in the previous year. The percentage of cases
proving fatal was, unfortunately, comparatively high.
The arrangements for the immunization of children against
diphtheria were detailed in the report for 1934. During the year
under review supplies of prophylactic sufficient for 80 patients
were issued at cost price to local medical practitioners for their
private patients, and in addition, 490 children were immunized
through the school medical department, 200 being of school age
and 290 under 5 years. This makes a total of approximately
816 children immunized since the arrangements came into operation
in 1935.
Anti-toxin for the treatment of patients suffering, or suspected
to be suffering from diphtheria, is supplied to local medical
practitioners free of cost for patients in poor circumstances and
at cost price for other patients. During the year 508,000 units
of anti-toxin were issued.