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The problem of the child who harbours diphtheria germs in its throat, and who,
though not ill, is a source of danger to others is a most difficult one.
The London County Council have made arrangements under which these children,
called "carriers," can receive treatment at special clinics at Guy's, London, and
St. Mary's hospitals.
Like smallpox, diphtheria is now a preventable disease. Unlike the mild type
of smallpox now prevalent, diphtheria is unhappily a very serious disease. During
the last five years the number of Shoreditch persons who have died from diphtheria
is 67. Of these 43 were under five years of age, 23 between the ages of five and ten,
and one over ten. It must be remembered that in addition to the children who died
there were a large number whose health was seriously impaired.
The fact that illness and death from this cause is preventable is one that calls for
the full and careful consideration of a Public Authority responsible for the prevention
of infectious disease.
Twelve of the Metropolitan Borough Councils have clinics at which children
are tested as to their susceptibility to diphtheria, and, if not immune, are protected
by means of an easily administered skin injection. There are a number of similar
clinics in districts surrounding London and in many counties and towns throughout
the country.
So far as is known, no Shoreditch children were protected against diphtheria
by this means during the year.
Enteric Fevers.
Three cases of typhoid fever were notified during the year. In one instance the
diagnosis was not confirmed. The two cases were both men, one aged 40 and the
other 46. It was not possible to trace the source of infection in either case.
There was one case of paratyphoid—a young girl aged 13—who had been ill
for many weeks before a doctor was consulted, and she was admitted to hospital.
She had been at the seaside at about the time when infection probably occurred, and
information was sought from the Medical Officer of Health of the district in question,
but it was not possible to trace the source of infection.
All these cases made a good recovery.
Dysentery.
Five cases of dysentery were notified. In one the diagnosis was not confirmed.
There cases occurred in one family. A man aged 29 years was notified as suffering,
and in the course of investigation it was found that his wife and small daughter,
aged 3, had previously both had dysentery and had not completely recovered. Both
were accordingly removed to hospital.
It was not possible to trace the source of infection in the case of the mother
daughter, but it appeared possible that they had become infected while on a
the country.
The remaining case was that of a young woman aged 24. The way in which
she became infected was not ascertained.
These patients all recovered satisfactorily.