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61
Diphtheria.—The number of cases of diphtheria notified
during the year was 123 compared with 52 in the previous year.
The diphtheria case-rate in 1937 was, however, the second lowest
on record and the case-rate of 0.78 per thousand of population
compares very favourbly with the rate for England and Wales
which is 1.49.
The distribution of cases according to age and the numbers
occurring in each Ward are indicated on page 59.

It will be seen that during the first eight months of the year
there were very few cases and that the majority of cases occurred
from September onwards.
During the year two deaths were recorded, equivalent to a
death-rate of 0.01 per thousand of population and a mortality rate
of 1.63 per cent. of cases notified, compared with the respective
figures of 0.06 and 15.39 in the previous year. It is very satisfactory
to record such a low mortality rate in 1937, particularly as the
mortality in 1936 was abnormally 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 60 patients
were issued at cost price to local medical practitioners for their
private patients. In addition 709 children were immunized
through the school medical department, 317 being of school age
and 397 under five years. The total number of children who have
been immunized by the school medical staff since the scheme was
commenced is now approximately 1,600.
Anti-toxin for the use of medical practitioners in cases suffering,
or suspected to be suffering from diphtheria, is supplied free of
cost for patients in poor circumstances and at cost price for other
patients. During the year 320,000 units of anti-toxin were issued.
Scarlet Fever.—The number of cases of scarlet fever notified
during the year was 317, compared with a total of 408 in the previous
year. The number of cases of the disease occurring in the year
under review is lower than in the previous five years. The