View report page

49
DIPHTHERIA
Six cases were removed to hospital for observation but none
was confirmed.
There has been no death from diphtheria in the Borough for
9 years and the last confirmed case of diphtheria was notified in
January, 1950.
Diphtheria remains a deadly disease, but unfortunately, in its
absence, complacency continues. Every baby should be immunised
before reaching the age of one year, and, equally important,
" booster" doses should be given before entry to school and,
ideally, again before transfer from the infant to the junior school.
SCHOOL "OUTBREAKS"
The year produced an average number of "Outbreaks" and
brief particulars follow :—
March—At a Girls' Secondary School.
Twentynine cases of headache and nausea were reported, not
connected with school meals and with no obvious common factor—
probably epidemic nausea or "Winter" vomiting.
June—At a Non-maintained Boys' School.
Approximately 20 cases of nausea and vomiting including
teachers, boarders, and domestic staff. There was a quick
recovery. Two specimens showed the presence of coagulase —
positive staphylococci—probably "Winter " vomiting.
September—(a) At an Infants' School.
A total of 21 cases between the 6th and 19th September and
including 12 cases of sore throat, 3 of diarrhoea, and 2 each of
headache and vomiting. Of those cases from whom throat swabs
were taken four showed haemolytic streptococci. The cases were
distributed all over the five classes and one teacher was affected.
(b) At another Infants' School.
Twenty-six cases between the 15th and 23rd September—19
with vomiting, 4 with sore throats, 2 with diarrhoea and vomiting
and one with diarrhoea alone. All seven classes were affected—
probably "Winter" vomiting. There was no apparent connection
between the two schools.
October—At a Girls' Secondary School.
Two cases of nausea amongst children and two amongst the
staff—apparently "Winter " vomiting.