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Subsequent swabbing of these showed five to have true
diphtheria, although in the majority of cases there were 110
clinical symptoms of the disease.
I advised that the institution should be closed against
all new cases, that careful watch should be kept upon all the
children remaining in the home, and further bacteriological
examinations made.
Eight children and two nurses who showed clinical
signs of diphtheria, as well as positive bacteriological results,
were removed to the Metropolitan Asylums Board hospitals.
The other patients having Pseudo-diphtheria and 110 clinical
symptoms, were detained at the Home until the negative
swabs were obtained.
Finally, 011 December 24th, when all the children had
been distributed to their homes, the whole of the institution
was thoroughly disinfected and all bedding and other contents
removed to the disinfecting station for steam disinfection. In
this way the outbreak was stopped and 110 recurrence of cases
occurred on the re-opening of the institution which took place
on February 3rd, 1908.
VOLUNTARY NOTIFICATION OF PHTHISIS.
During the year 56 cases of phthisis were notified as
existing in the district. Of the certificates received 14 were
endorsed with the request that 110 visits should be made by
the sanitary authority. The other 42 homes were visited and
details of the precautions necessary to prevent the spread of
the disease to others explained. Information was also given
in relation to feeding and ventilation, so important to patients.
These visits were very much appreciated. In many instances
the sufferers showed considerable ignorance in relation to this
disease, many being unaware of its infectivity. Few recognised