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9
DIPHTHERIA.
As already pointed out an increase took place in
the number of admissions of this disease as compared
with those of 1903. The number admitted during the
year was 276, which added to the 22 cases remaining
in hospital at the end of 1903, brings the total
number treated up to 298. The type of attack was
of average severity, but, thanks to the continued
efficacy of anti-toxin treatment, the mortality did
not exceed the low figure of 6.11 per cent. As
compared with last year this shows an increase of 5.4
per cent., but, as mentioned in my report then, the
lowness of that fatality rate was mainly attributable
to the mild type of disease then prevalent and could
hardly be relied upon as a figure which would be
maintained in the future.