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Diphtheria.— Twenty-three cases were notified and
of these thirteen were Institutional cases. There were
three deaths of two adults and one child. The case
rate was 0.31 per 1,000 of population, compared with
1.16 for England and Wales. Diphtheria is a
dangerous disease. Risks of infection are increased
in war time. The germ mutliplies in the infected
throat and produces poisons which are quickly
injurious to the heart. Early diagnosis and treatment
are essential.
As to the Prompt Use of Antitoxin.—The effects
of the toxin or poison produced by the Diphtheria
bacillus can only be counteracted by the prompt use
of antitoxin. Medical practitioners should give large
initial doses of antitoxin on clinical diagnosis and
without waiting for bacteriological confirmation of the
diagnosis. The relatively small number of cases of
Diphtheria should not engender complacency, and
abnormal throat conditions should always be regarded
with suspicion. Early diagnosis and early treatment
with antitoxin are essential for the prevention of
mortality.
ARTIFICIAL IMMUNISATION ACAINST
DIPHTHERIA.
The prevention of Diphtheria is better and easier
than the cure. Immunisation will prevent diphtheria
and stop epidemic spread. Young children are the
most susceptible and the risk of mortality is highest
between the ages of 1 year and 5 years. Too often
parents are willing only to have older children
immunised and to leave the younger children susceptible
until thev reach school age. This is misdirected
kindness. All children should be immunised before
they reach school age. During 1940 one hundred and
sixty-one children received three injections of Toxoid
Antitoxin Floccules. Attendance was restricted by the
frequency of air raids.
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