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37
It cannot be too often brought to the notice of the public that
Diphtheria is a serious disease, and also that if seen and treated at
once it is possible to avoid a fatal ending. Parents should never
neglect a sore throat and should seek medical advice at once,
Many cases are seen where there are enlarged glands under the
jaw (due to Diphtheria), the parents not seeking advice till late in
the disase as they imagined the children had contracted Mumps.
Unfortunately may cases of Diphtheria do not cause the throat to
be sore, and in young children especially no complaint is made. I
repeat that it is better to seek medical advice early, as a delay of
twenty-four or even twelve hours may mean the difference between
life and death.
The Council has arranged that Diphtheria Antitoxin is
kept at one or two chemists in the Borough, and the local practitioners
can obtain it day or night for use in suspected cases.
During the year the cost of Antitoxin so supplied was
£17 4s. 9d.
Bacteriological examinations are carried out by the Lister
Institute by an arrangement with the Council.