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53
Scarlet Fever.— There has been a steady decline in the
prevalence of Scarlet Fever during the past three years. The
number of admissions remained low throughout 1924, and tintype
of disease also continued mild. The total number of cases
under treatment was 409. which is 53 less than in the previous
year. Four cases, which were of the "septic type," proved
fatal, giving a fatality rate of 1.26 per cent. of the admissions.
In 27 cases the disease was complicated by the presence of
other infections as follows: —
Scarlet Fever with Diphtheria 10 cases
,, ,, ,, Measles 8 ,,
,, ,, ,, Whooping Cough 5 ,,
,, ,, ,, Pneumonia 4 ,,
22 cases admitted as Scarlet Fever were wrongly diagnosed,
and proved to be suffering from the following diseases: —
Measles 7 cases
Septic Rash 3 ,,
Erythema 5 ,,
Lobar Pneumonia 2 ,,
Otitis Media 2 ,,
Gastritis 1 case
Cellulitis 1 ,,
Constipation 1 ,,
Three cases, admitted as Diphtheria, were found to be
suffering from Scarlet Fever.
The average duration of residence of all cases was 42.95
days.
Diphtheria.— This disease continues to be very prevalent
in the Borough. The admissions in 1924 were the highest for
the past three years. The type of disease, however, remained
mild, and the proportion of "late cases" has fortunately been
low. The grave danger which results from delay in the treatment
of Diphtheria appears to have been more fully realised in
recent years by the populace, and medical advice is usually
sought as soon as the disease is suspected. A significant fact
in this connection is the increasing number of parents who
bring their children direct to the Hospital when suffering from