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42
prevailing', a large percentage of cases can be safely discharged
after four or five weeks, the length of stay with cases of diphtheria
usually considerably exceeds this period. It may be concluded
that the incidence of diphtheria was adequately met, but
that many cases of scarlet fever were unable to be admitted.
Probably on this account the prevalence of this illness was greater
than it would otherwise have been. The uncertain nature of contagion
and the varying opportunities under which this may occur
necessitates every effort being made for its elimination. It must
be conceded that an early diagnosis of infectious disease and
prompt admission to the hospital are vital factors in public health.
A consideration of the above data indicates the total inadequacy
of the present accommodation to deal with more serious infectious
disease during epidemic periods. It is sincerely hoped that the
enlargement of the Hospital will commence at an early date, otherwise
difficulty may arise during the winter of 1930-31.
More modern buildings for the reception of patients will
ensure increased efficiency, a higher standard of nursing and treatment—less
risk of septic infection and a greater measure of comfort.
Of the 557 patients admitted for diphtheria 479 were faucial
or throat cases, 30 nasal, 19 laryngeal, 18 diphtheria with scarlet
fever, 3 scarlet fever only, 5 tonsillitis, 1 Vincent's angina, 2 not
suffering. Of 528 swabs examined of cases in hospital 488 showed
the presence of diphtheria bacillus. The number of deaths
occurring was 35, the case mortality being 6.7 per cent. Complications
arising included the following :—Palatal paralysis, Cardiac
Arrhythmia, Otorrhœa, Glands. Tracheotomy was performed
on one occasion.
Of the 314 cases of scarlet fever admitted there were three
deaths. The complications were as follows :—
Cervical adenitis 33
Rhinitis 41
Nephritis 11
Bronchitis 4
Abscess 3
Other conditions 21
The mortality of completed cases was 1 per cent.