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7!
Broncho- Pneumonia.
Thirty-three cases were admitted during the year. Of these,
28 were due to Measles and five to Whooping Cough. Many of
the children were gravely ill on admission, malnutrition being an
important factor. There were seven deaths, four of the patients
dying within 48 hours of admission. There is little doubt that,
but for their timely removal to hospital, this number would have
been considerably higher, as in nearly all the cases, the home
conditions were very bad.
In addition, 18 cases of uncomplicated measles were admitted,
recovery taking place in all cases.
Cerebro-Spinal Fever.
One case of considerable severity, in a man of 36 years, was
admitted to hospital. Two hundred c.c.'s of anti-meningococcal
serum were given, 180 c.c. 's being injected into the spinal theca and
20 c.c.'s intravenously. The patient made a good recovery and
left the hospital after 114 days.
Bacteriological Examinations.
Routine swabbing of every patient, before discharge, was
undertaken during the year. In addition, a large number of
swabs were received from the Medical Officer of Health, the School
Medical Officer and from private medical practitioners. In all,
4,539 swabs were examined.
Post-mortem Examinations.
Post-mortem examinations were made in five cases where
the cause of death was in doubt. The value of this kind of work
is illustrated by the case of one child who was admitted as a
diphtheria on account of laryngeal obstruction, but was found,
post-mortem, to have a piece of rabbit bone in the larynx. Death
was due to broncho-pneumonia and heart failure.
Laboratory Work.
Cerebro-spinal fluid examinations were made in five cases in
conjunction with the Memorial Hospital.