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52
The 1944 figures include outbreaks at two of the Day
Nurseries, 31 at Wyatts Lane and 13 at Higham Hill. The Day
Nurseries were not closed, the infection lasting about six weeks
at Wyatts Lane and about four weeks at Higham Hill.
The 1945 figures include nine at Higham Hill Day Nursery
and six at Handsworth Avenue Day Nursery and 26 at various
schools.

Dr. Watkins, Deputy Medical Officer of Health, suggested
the prophylactic use of a Sulpha drug and the following is an
abridged statement:—
"After consultation with the Ministry of Health and the
County Medical Officer, and with the authority of your
chairman, it was decided to administer succinylsulphathiazole
prophylactically to all members of the staff and to all children
remaining in the Nursery.
"Treatment was commenced on Monday, 29th January,
at the two nurseries and continued over the next two weeks
Before prophylaxis was commenced all parents were warned
of the existence of dysentery at the Nurseries and were
informed that if they wished, they should keep their children
at home, and that the admission of children on and after the
29th was to be on the understanding that a prophylactic drug
would be given.
"Children aged 1-3 years were given 1 gramme per day,
children aged 3-5 years 2 grammes per day and adults 3
grammes per day.
"On Monday, 5th February, all staff and children were
swabbed at the Handsworth Avenue Day Nursery and similarly
at the Higham Hill Day Nursery on the 6th February.
Different dates had to be arranged owing to pressure on the
Pathological Laboratory in view of the incidence of dysentery
generally and particularly at a residential institution in another
area. The total number of swabs taken was 84, and all were
negative.