View report page

DIPHTHERIA.
There were 152 cases notified during the year, and
reference to the above table shows that for the first 5 years
there was a steady decline in the incidence, whereas for the
last 5 years there has been a corresponding increase. It is
hoped that the maximum incidence has been reached this
year, and that we may have the good fortune to experience
a decline during the next few years. This year, therefore,
must be looked upon as a "Diphtheria Year," the type
having varied from mild bacteriological cases to those of
extreme virulence. Seven deaths have occurred among the
latter class. It is a regrettable fact that medical aid is not
sought at the earliest opportunity, and there is little doubt
that several of the deaths might have been averted had the
parents called in a doctor earlier. A letter was sent to all
medical practitioners early in the year with regard to the
issue of Diphtheria Antitoxin, which can be obtained from
two chemists, and is available at all times. It is stocked in
phials containing 8,000 units for treatment and 500 units
for prophylaxis, as suggested by the Ministry of Health.
Later in the year, a further letter was sent to all doctors
urging that antitoxin should be administered at the earliest
possible moment to all doubtful and suspected cases. As
regards the Public Elementary Schools, Diphtheria was
prevalent in the early part of the year at Bonner Hill School,
and in the autumn at St. John's School. A brief account
of these two outbreaks will be found in paragraph "Infectious
Diseases," page 51, in the Report of the School
Medical Officer. In November, cases occurred among boys
attending Tiffin's School. They were limited to one class,
which was swabbed, with the result that one carrier was