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52
Four of the cases were secondary to notified cases, though of
these one appeared to be only a case of bacteriological diphtheria.
There were no return cases this year.
A revised diagnosis of tonsillitis was made in five cases, of
cellulitis in one, and nasopharyngeal infection in one.
Eight cases were notified as suffering from nasal diphtheria.
In most of these rhinorrhoea was present, but in some the nose was
apparently healthy.
Deaths.
Two deaths, one of each sex, were certified as being due to
diphtheria, being a case mortality of 2.3 per cent. In one the
patient was not brought under treatment until the eighth day of
illness.
Apart from the few cases who were not removed to hospital
until after the seventh day of illness, there were few severe attacks.
Bacteriological Examinations.
630 diphtheria swabs were examined during the year at the
laboratories of the Clinical Research Association.
From 1st July most swabs have been examined at the Rayners
Lane Hospital. Of 256 swabs sent in by outside practitioners, 19
were positive. In addition 311 swabs of patients in the hospital
were examined.
Schools and Diphtheria.
Attendances at the day schools played no part in the spread
of infection, no two cases having occurred in the same department
at a shorter interval than a month, except in one instance where
the interval was a fortnight.
No day schools were closed during the year on account of
diphtheria, and no schools or school rooms fumigated.
A number of cases occurred at one of the residential schools
for boys. One case in the week ending 26th January was followed
by two cases in the next week, and these by subsequent cases in
the next few weeks, the total number notified by the week ending
2nd March being 17.
Immunization.
At their meeting on the 1st January the Council adopted the
following recommendation of the Public Health Committee:—
"That a sum not exceeding £200 be allocated for the
period ending 31st March, 1935, to provide facilities for
residents in the district whose annual income does not exceed
£250 to receive immunization treatment against diphtheria,
this sum to provide for payment of a fee of 10s. Od. in each
case to medical practitioners carrying out the treatment, and
to cover the cost of the necessary propaganda, and that the
Medical Officer of Health be authorized to take all necessary