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30
SCARLET FEVER.
The incidence of Scarlet Fever remains low, and the
great majority of cases are of a very mild character.
There were no deaths from this disease.
DIPHTHERIA.
The number of cases remained low but were somewhat
higher than last year. From the above table it appears likely
that there may be an increasing incidence in the next few
years.
No death occurred from this disease.
The issue of diphtheria antitoxin is made through two
chemists, and is available at all times.
The 150 boys in the Dalziel of Wooler Memorial Home
(Dr. Barnardo's) are all immunized against diphtheria by
their own medical officer.
IMMUNISATION.
Last year I suggested in my Annual Report that the
time appeared opportune to consider whether immunisation
against diphtheria should be offered to the public.
I reported to the Public Health Committee on the
Schick Test and immunisation against diphtheria, and the
Committee recommended that an Immunising Clinic be set
up, and in April a weekly session was opened on Monday
afternoons.
Dr. D. S. Murray was appointed to carry out the work,
which consisted of an initial Schick Test followed in
those found positive by three injections of T.A.M. The
first two injections are given at an interval of one week
and the third a fortnight later. A posterior Schick Test
is done after three months, and if the child is immune a
certificate to that effect is issued.
In order to deal with the most susceptible, it was
deemed advisable to commence through the Infant Welfare
Centre and the Infants' Schools.
The number who asked that their children should be
immunised was so large that it was considered useless to
invite older children since more than 100 infants were on
the waiting list at the end of the year.