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147
Scarlet Fever, Diphtheria, and Mumps show some increase
in incidence over the year 1936, but there has been a marked reduction
in the number of cases of Measles and Chicken Pox.
Certificates were issued, under Article 23 (b), where school
attendance dropped below 60 per cent. of the number on the
register, as follows :—
School Month Disease
Essex November Measles
Salisbury ,, Measles
Vicarage December Influenza
Brampton ,, Influenza
Kensington ,, Measles
Cornwell ,, Measles
Avenue ,, Measles
Diphtheria Detection and Prevention.
The bacteriological examination of swabs from the throats
and noses of school children is carried out:—
(a) Prior to the admission of children to Schools of Recovery,
Convalescent Homes, etc., in order to ensure freedom
from infection. Three hundred and thirteen swabs were
taken for this purpose, one of which proved positive.
(b) In suspicious cases seen at the Clinics or Schools, 187
swabs were taken, and six proved to be positive.
(c) In cases where an undetected source of infection appears
to be present in a class or school. Thirty-nine swabs
were taken and none proved to be positive.
The statistics and comments relating to protective immunization
against diphtheria are included in my report as Medical
Officer of Health. The attendances at the Immunization Clinics
are fairly well maintained, and it is hoped that persistent propaganda
will lead to a marked increase in the number of applicants
for this form of treatment.