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Section F.
PREVALENCE OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
Measles and Whooping Cough.
Measles and Whooping Cough still prevail amongst young children.
Diphtheria.
The incidence of Diphtheria was slightly higher than last year, but is
still comparatively low. It is pleasing to note that all the cases were removed
to the Isolation Hospital.
A minor outbreak occurred at one of the Schools, but as the result of
the prompt swabbing of several classes and the isolation of the "carriers"
found therein, the outbreak was soon got under control, and it was not necessary
to close the school. I wish to express my thanks for the kind cooperation
1 received from the teaching staff at the school.
Scarlet Fever.
Scarlet Fever is fairly prevalent, although low in comparison with the
rest of the country, and mild in type.
"Return" cases numbered five, allowing for an interval of 28 days
between a patient coming home from the Isolation Hospital and an inmate
of the house going down.
Smallpox.
No cases of smallpox were notified during the year.
Enteric Fever.
Six cases of this disease were notified during the year, as compared
with nine last year. Despite exhaustive investigation, we were unable to
trace the source of infection.
Dysentery.
Fourteen cases of this disease were notified, mostly during the early
part of the year, a continuation of the rather disturbing outbreak which
occurred during the latter part of 1937. No deaths were reported.
Immunisation Against Diphtheria.
The demand for immunisation against Diphtheria continues. The preparation
used is T. A. F. and three injections are given at weekly intervals.
Puerperal Pyrexia and Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
These are referred to later on, under the heading of Maternity and Child
Welfare.
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