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15
4.—PREVALENCE OF, AND CONTROL OVER, INFECTIOUS
AND OTHER DISEASES.
(i) Notifiable Diseases.
(a) Scarlet Fever.
During the year there was an increased prevalence of Scarlet
Fever, especially during the last quarter, when the height was
reached about the end of October. Although it was of epidemic
proportions, there was not an unduly large number of cases, and the
great majority were mild in type.
In accordance with the repeated recommendations of the
Ministry of Health such cases as could be nursed at home, having
regard to the domestic environment, were not removed to the
Isolation Hospital.
(b) Diphtheria Immunisation.
Propaganda was again maintained throughout the year by
Press advertisement, and a special article to the Press by myself,
posters, film "trailers," lantern slides, details in the local page of
"Better Health," letters to doctors and nurses, etc. The schools
were also periodically circularised with particulars, and attached
acceptance forms, and the Health Visitors constantly carried out
propaganda in the homes, and at the Maternity and Child Welfare
Clinics.
As mentioned under the section of this report dealing with
"Laboratory Facilities," the Emergency Laboratory Service has
again provided Alum Precipitated Toxoid free of charge, and this is
given out from the Department to any practitioner, who wishes to
avail himself of it.
Sessions for Diphtheria Immunisation are held at each Child
Welfare Session, and also at all the Schools.
An endeavour has been made to perform a Post Schick Test in
every case where two immunising injections have been given, but
precedence has been given to the immunisations. When the reading
after the Post Schick Test proves negative, the parent is given a
certificate, indicating that the child is believed to be immune, so
that, should the child subsequently be examined during illness by a
doctor, the parent can produce the certificate to guide the doctor in
his diagnosis.
Before entering School, many pre-immunised children are
again Schick Tested, and, if found to be positive, are given a
"boosting" injection of A.P.T.