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45
The most suggestive feature was a party at school just before
Christmas to which food was largely contributed by the parents. A
detailed list was prepared for each scholar as to food contributed
to the party, and food consumed. In spite of the closest investigation
no definite cause could be found.
Consultation was made with the Medical staff of the Ministry
of Health, one of whom carried out further enquiries and visits—
again unfortunately with no definite results.
(b) Paratyphoid Fever
At the request of the family doctor a patient from Hoe Street
Ward was admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital on the 13 th
April for suspected Dysentery.
By April 20th a rectal swab had proved positive to Paratyphoid
B.
On the 14th a request was received from another family doctor
for a consultation in regard to a patient in the St. James' Street
Ward previously thought to be suffering from Dysentery, but then
showing a suspicious rash. A tentative diagnosis of Enteric Fever
was made and admission to hospital was suggested but declined.
The relatives were warned -to take all precautions pending the
examination of a rectal swab. The result received on the 16th
April confirmed that the disease was Paratyphoid Fever.
Active enquiries were at once initiated to connect up these
two cases (one not yet finally confirmed) from opposite ends of
the town. The single common factor was the consumption of ice
cream from a small producer-retailer whose family was immediately
swabbed. The husband of the producer-retailer was reported to
he suspiciously positive and by the 20th April the sale of ice cream
was prohibited until further notice.
All the swabs showed the presence of Bacillus Paratyphoid B
Vi-phage Type I. One additional case from a neighbouring Borough
was discovered.
The occurrence of only three cases is surprising.
The general conditions under which the ice cream (a cold
mix) were made were excellent. Sales amounted to approximately
six gallons on a busy day.
A voluntary undertaking was readily obtained from the persons
conccrned that no ice cream would be made, sold or distributed
until released from the undertaking given.
The fullest co-operation was obtained and, unfortunately, in
spite of hospital treatment (including surgical treatment) the carrier
condition still continues.