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higher than one would normally anticipate, and must have exerted
a considerable eSect in prolonging the outbreak. The only satisfactory
element associated with the outbreak was the number of
children sent for immunisation. During the months of August and
September, 145 immunisations were carried out in children from
the New Southgate area, this total being implemented by various
additions during the later months of the year. The type of cases
occurring was very definitely severe. Quite a number of the
patients were severely ill, and one death occurred. Two children
who contracted diphtheria during the outbreak had previously been
immunised, although in one instance a post-Schick examination
had not been made, owing to the fact that the parents had not brought
the child for the necessary test. In each of the two cases referred
to above the attack was mild, the children recovering without
complications.
As hitherto, swabs were taken from all home contacts and from
all cases fourteen days after their discharge from hospital.
Diphtheria Antitoxin is kept in stock at the Public Health
Department for issue to medical practitioners on application.
Immunisation.—Four hundred and ninety-one persons attended
for immunisation during 1938 at the weekly clinic held in Broomfield
House or at the schools visited during the year, as compared
with a total of 490 for the previous year. The schools selected
during the past year were Chase Road C. of E. and Tottenhall Road,
17 and 148 children attending at each school respectively.
Mention has already been made of the two children who
developed diphtheria after immunisation. In addition to those
cases, one other child falls into the same category. Here, again,
the attack was exceedingly mild, complete recovery being effected
without complications. It is sincerely to be hoped that the
occurrence of these few cases of diphtheria in immunised children
will not prejudice the public against this form of protection. It
has never been claimed that one hundred per cent, success can
be obtained. What has been claimed, and what we know to be
absolutely true, is that the vast majority of children inoculated
will not develop diphtheria, while among the remainder (approximately
5 per cent, on the average) the attack will almost invariably
be mild and harmless in its after-effects. These claims, in the
opinion of those most qualified to judge, are so overwhelming as
to require no further justification.
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