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41
Diphtheria and Croup.
50 cases were notified during the year. The weeks in
which they occurred are shown on the chart. Like the Scarlet
Fever cases, these were scattered throughout the district.
Although a large percentage of the primary cases occurred
among children attending the public elementary schools, it
did not appear that the latter played much part in spreading
the infection. The 50 cases represent infection in 42 houses,
as 8 of the cases were "secondary." 40 of the cases were removed
to hospital, which equals 80.0 per cent. of the number
notified. In the majority of instances the diagnosis was
verified by bacteriological examination.
1 death occurred during the year, this giving a fatality
rate of 2.0 per cent. of all cases notified.
Provision of Diphtheria Antitoxin.
A supply of Antitoxin is kept at the Council Offices,
where it can be obtained at any hour, day or night. The immense
importance of the prompt use of this remedy in the
treatment of Diphtheria cannot be over-estimated, statistics
furnishing over-whelming proof of the increase in fatality the
longer its administration is delayed. 120,000 unite of Antitoxin
were supplied by the Council during the year, which
shows that the practitioners of the district make good use
of the facilities provided.
Enteric Fever.
6 cases of Enteric Fever were notified. All were
"primary" infections. The cases were thoroughly investigated,
and 2 of these eases appeared to have been infected
outside the district, while the source of infection of the remaining
4 was uncertain. The 6 cases represent infection in
6 houses.
Sanitary defects were discovered upon 3 of the premises:
2 of the cases were removed to Hospital and 1 to a Nursing
Home.