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26
Hospital treatment was provided in 33 cases, and there
were no "return" cases. There were four deaths from
diphtheria during the year.
Supply of Antitoxin.
Anti-diphtheritic serum was used for the treatment of 13
cases, 100,000 units being supplied. The early administration
of antitoxin to all cases of diphtheria, is, of course, of vital
importance. A supply of antitoxin is always kept at the Public
Health Department and at three chemists shops, and is
available for the use of Medical Practitioners upon request. In
cases of emergency, antitoxin can be obtained day or night
from the Council's Fire Station, Croydon Road, Penge.
Scarlet Fever.
There were 149 cases of Scarlet Fever notified, an
unusually high number (as against 74 in 1937) and 133 of
these were removed to hospital. Seven cases occurred whilst
inmates of London Hospitals. Twenty-two families had two
or more cases. There were five " return " cases.
The type of the disease was universally mild and spread
over the district, and no deaths occurred.
When adequate isolation and nursing can be obtained,
cases are nursed at home. This was done in 16 instances.
Puerperal Pyrexia.
Two cases were notified whilst inmates of hospitals outside
the district and made satisfactory recoveries. An arrangement
exists with a local nurse for the home nursing of cases
when required.