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8
The immunisation of children against diphtheria,
strongly advocated for some years, has played an important
part in the reduction of this illness. It must be realised,
however, that in the presence of a virulent type of epidemic
the number so protected would not afford sufficient
safeguard to the rest of the community: hence the need
of securing by simple effective measures greater immunity
among the younger population.
The epidemic of measles in the early part of the
year accounted for several deaths of infants and children.
Many cases with severe complications were admitted
to the Isolation Hospital for treatment.
Complications and sequelae of Measles may be
responsible for much illness in later life, and for this
reason every effort should be made to combat infection.
The use of prepared serum obtained from convalescent
cases is not only of value in the treatment of the illness
but is found particularly advantageous as a prophylactic
where children have been exposed to infection—for instance,
where there are several others in a family or a
case arises in a hospital ward.
During the year a number of children were protected
in this way by the use of a small quantity of serum.
It should be more generally known that adult and
adolescent patients, who have recently suffered from
measles, can be the means of affording protection to
others. A "measles serum service "may, in the future,
play a large part in limiting the extent of this infection.
The Tuberculosis and Chest Clinic has been equipped
with an X-ray plant of high power, a description of
which is given later in the Report. This has provided
facilities for the investigation and diagnosis of chest conditions
comparable to that of any other centre throughout
the country.
The installation of X-ray apparatus at Harts has
proved invaluable, and has helped to augment co-ordination
in the work of the Chest Clinic and Sanatorium and thus
ensure treatment based on modern and scientific principles.