View report page

66
INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
The number of cases of diphtheria recorded are swelled bv a
small percentage of bacterial cases, as it is extremely difficult in
working class homes to deal with these in any way except by removal
to hospital. As we have not our own Isolation Hospital, but
are members of a Joint Committee, the machinery is eased by definitely
notifying these cases, but the Medical Superintendent is
always informed as to the circumstances which have led to the admission
of the patient. This has been found to work satisfactorily.
There has been urgent need during the last five years for a proper
Observation Block, and further proper accommodation both for
patients and staff at the Joint Hospital. A movement is at last on
foot to provide extra accommodation.
The number of return cases of scarlet fever and diphtheria
during the last five years is as follows:—
1921. 1922. 1923. 1924. 1925.
Scarlet fever — 1 — 1 4
Diphtheria 5 3 1 3 1
The usual period allowed when speaking of a "Return Case"
is 28 days after the return home of a case from Hospital, or 28 days
after the release of a case from Isolation at home.
Diphtheria.
Diphtheria still remains a disappointing disease to deal with
from the Medical Officer of Health's point of view. It is established
beyond all question that the administration of anti-toxin
on the first day of the illness is an absolute safeguard, and yet we
have to face year after year a number of deaths from this disease.
This is largely due to the fact that the onset of the symptoms are
very often much less pronounced than in a case of simple tonsillitis.
It is a curious paradox that a child who has a sore throat
and a big temperature, 103—105, is infinitely more likely to ho
suffering from simple tonsillitis than a child with a sore throat and
a temperature below 100 and even normal, and the constitutional