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52
part in the control or prevention of spread of infection.
I have endeavoured to encourage the home isolation of
uncomplicated cases of scarlet fever, but no less than 93
per cent. are still admitted to hospital. There would
appear to be a gradual increasing period of detention
compared with previous years. If it is possible to lessen
this actual period of detention in accordance with the
recommendation of the Ministry of Health, and also to
admit only the selected scarlet fever cases to hospital,
there should result a greater hospital accommodation for
more acute types of infectious diseases.
Diphtheria.
There was a further fall in 1932 in the incidence
of Diphtheria, 12 cases only being notified, all of which
were admitted to hospital. The incidence rate of 0.2 per
1,000 of the population for 1932 is the lowest recorded
in Bromley records dating from 1890. If the curve of
incidence follows the usual rise and fall, 1934 should see
this disease in early epidemic prevalence. In Immunisation
we have a successful prevention measure, if the
public will respond during 1933.
Diphtheria Immunisation, 1932.
Total number Schick Tested, 77.
Found to be positive 63
Found to be negative 14
77
Total number who received full course of
injections 86
Total number re-tested 81
1st. 2nd. 3rd. 4th.
Found to be positive 8 3 1
Found to be negative 69 5 6 1
There has been a falling off in cases, partly due to
complacence of the public during the non-epidemic
years, and partly due to the campaign by the anti
vaccinationists against immunisation in any form. This
criticism is to be regretted primarily because there is