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This outbreak was interesting for two reasons, (1) the
incubation between cases was exactly ten days, and (2) three
children of the same family were infected. As the " susceptable
" contacts were kept under close observation, and were
isolated immediately there was the slightest complaint of
sickness, headache, or temperature, it would appear that a
comparatively short period of contact may suffice to spread
the disease and that probably there is a family susceptibility
as well as an individual one.
Typhoid Fever -The two cases admitted were both atypical;
and some question as to diagnosis was raised, as both
patients had served in the Army and both had been inoculated
against typhoid. The Widal reaction was positive in both.
Further Widal reactions were carried out subsequently, and
from these observations it was considered that one patient had
actually a mild attack of the disease, but the other ;was
doubtful. Both made good recoveries.
Sickness among Staff.—Two nurses suffered from tonsillitis.
Both were working in the 'diphtheria wards. One case
was bacteriologically negative and the other, though not suffering
from clinical diphtheria, was harbouring a virulent diphtheria
bacillus and was treated for true diphtheria. Both
made good recoveries.
A third nurse suffered from a mild attack of scarlet fever.
.Scarlet Fever and Measles.—At the end of December
a child was admitted with scarlet fever. Eight 'days later
a true measles rash developed. The child was at once isolated
but two other susceptibles developed measles at the end of a,
fortnight. Fortunately, the hospital was comparatively
empty at the time, and a fresh ward was opened at once. No
further cases developed.
Lectures, etc. —The usual lectures for the Fever Nurses'
Certificates were given. Two nurses sat for the examination and
both passed. Seven out of eight nurses also passed the St.
John's Ambulance examination in First Aid.
Summary of Nursing Arrangements, Hospitals and other
Institutions available for the District.
Professional Nursing in the Home.
(a) General South Wimbledon District
Nursing Association.
(b) Infectious Diseases None.
Midwives. —Under the supervision of the Surrey County Council,
there are 13 midwives practising in the district.
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