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SCARLET FEVER
In general, scarlet fever nowadays is a relatively mild condition and
the only difference between scarlet fever and acute tonsillitis of streptococcal
origin is that the particular strain of the organism produces a toxin which
causes a rash. With modern therapy the infection is usually controlled
before the notification is received and there is a body of opinion which
regards notification of this condition as valueless.
Consequently, it is more than probable that the 74 notifications
received by the Borough form only a proportion of those cases actually
infected. Moreover, due to its current mildness the risk lies in possible
sequelae and, consequently, it would be more logical to regard any cases
of acute tonsillitis as a potential case of scarlet fever and take precautions
to avoid possible complications.
Notification of this disease would appear to be of doubtful value at
the present, but no doubt one must always bear in mind the fact that the
virulence of a particular germ can undergo changes and the present low
grade virulence of the streptococcus could undergo revision and be the
cause of an illness of much more serious consequence.
TUBERCULOSIS
In order to control any infection it is essential to have exact information
regarding the magnitude of the problem which faces the community.
Moreover, with diseases such as tuberculosis where the morbidity and
infectious state can extend over considerable periods of time it is essential
to keep accurate and up to date records of everyone affected.