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15
Most of the cases were extremely mild, many suffering
from nasal discharge, only proved to be diphtheria by
bacteriological examination.
That "missed" cases may be a source of infection is
supported by the fact that a child was seen at the School
Clinic suffering from definite diphtheritic palatal paralysis,
the mother having brought the child to the Clinic because of
the "peculiar sound of his voice." It is difficult to
estimate how many very mild cases occur, which exhibit no
symptoms or complications to attract the attention of the
parents.
The issue of Diphtheria Anti-Toxin is made through two
chemists, is available at all times, and is stocked only in
phials which contain 8,000 units for treatment and 500 units
for prophylaxis, as suggested by the Ministry of Health.
ENTERIC FEVER (including Para-typhoid).
Three cases were notified during the year. The
following is a brief summary of the cases:—
W. J. T., male, 22 years. Notified 20/5/27. Is
stated to have been "not well" for some time, but was
definitely taken ill on 1/5/27 with vomiting and shivering.
On 3/5/27 he sent for the doctor, and on 12/5/27 he was
admitted to the Kingston Victoria Hospital as a case of
Pneumonia. A Widal test on 18/5/27 proved positive for
para-typhoid B.
V. T., female, 19 years. Notified 20/5/27. Sister of
above case. Is stated to have been "not well" for some
time, but was definitely taken ill on 11/5/27 and was seen
by the doctor on the following day. She was nursed at
home.
Most careful investigation failed to discover the source
of infection in both cases.
E. M., male, 21 years. Notified 11/6/27. On
30/5/27 he complained of severe headache and pains in his
limbs, but continued his occupation until 2/6/27, when
he went to bed, but did not call his doctor until 6/6/27. A
Widal test was positive for para-typhoid B on 15/6/27. His
stepfather had had Typhoid in 1900, but bacteriological
examination of his fæces and urine proved negative.
In spite of exhaustive inquiries, no source of infection
was traced in this case.