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29
SCARLET FEVER.
There is an increase of ten cases notified over the
number for last year. Of the 61 cases, by far the largest
number occurred in the 5 to 10 age group, in which 32 were
notified. Although 61 cases were notified, only 46 were
admitted to Hospital for treatment and there were no
deaths. The type of illness was mild.
DIPHTHERIA.
A sharp rise in the number of cases is noted; seventytwo
as compared with 21 the previous year. This figure is
higher than for the last seven years and marks a rise which
has been periodic during the last 20 years.
None of the cases occurred in children who have been
actively immunised.
The largest number of cases occurred in the age group
5 to 10 years, and the second highest number in the age
group 10 to 15 years. There were three deaths in the
former age group and one in the latter. All but one of the
cases were treated in Hospital.
Immunisation against Diphtheria.
Dr. D. S. Murray and the Medical Officer of Health
carried out the work, which consisted of an initial Schick
Test followed in those found positive by three injections
of T.A.M. or two injections of Alum Precipitated Toxoid.
A posterior Schick Test is done after three months, and if
the child is immune, a certificate to that effect is issued.
A Re-Test is made after two years.
A summary of the work during 1938 is as follows :—
Number of sessions 43
Number of attendances 1566
Number of Schick Tests 157
Number of Injections 519
Number of posterior Schick Tests 198
Number of Certificates issued 171
Number of Re-Schick Tests after 2 years 242
Number of readings after Re-Schick 232
Of the 157 cases Schick tested 22 were found to be
immune. There were only 4 cases still positive on re-test
after treatment and these received two further injections
of T.A.M.