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9
It is unlikely that these return cases will be
preventible until the special germ of Scarlet Fever
is definitely known. In that event it will possiblv
be an easy matter to demonstrate microscopically
whether a patient, at the time of discharge from the
hospital, retains the infection or not.
Diphtheria patients are detained in hospital
until the expiry of the third week of their attack,
and are then discharged, provided a negative
bacteriological examination is obtained from the
throat or other affected part, and provided that
they are physically fit and not likely to develop
paralysis subsequently. The persistence with which
the diphtheria bacillus clings to some patients is
well recognised, so that it is not surprising to find
that for this reason alone a patient has to be
detained for several weeks beyond the minimum
period.
With regard to Enteric Fever most patients
are usually detained in hospital until they are fit
and able to get about daily, and undertake with
safety the journey home. It is possible, however,
that in the near future other points will have to
occupy the attention of hospital authorities. I