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of diphtheria bacilli. In the practice of some districts and of many
medical practitioners, including, often, the Medical Officers of hospitals
and residential schools, notification is frequently extended to include
diphtheria carriers who themselves present no sign of illness. It is
doubtful whether this practice is justifiable."
It is at least arguable whether it is justifiable to retain in hospital
patients who have no longer clinical symptoms but have positive throat
cultures, and at the same time exclude from hospitals, because not
notifiable, persons who have positive throat cultures but no clinical signs.
The Council approved the application of the toxin-antitoxin method
of immunization against Diphtheria to members of the public who sought
it on their own or their dependents' behalf.
Information has been communicated to the public through the Press
and otherwise, but the actual administration of the prophylactic was not
commenced until February, 1927.
To residents of Tottenham no charge is made. Applications for the
protection afforded by this means may be made to the Medical Officer
of Health or at the School Medical and Maternity and Child Welfare
Centres.
Diphtheria Anti-toxin may be had upon a Doctor's request at the
Town Hall during office hours and at the Central Fire Station, adjoining
the Town Hall, at all hours (day and night), when the Town Hall is
closed.
The home address of the Sanitary Inspector on duty is posted at the
front door of the Town Hall, and application may be made to him for
his attention in respect of cases of infectious disease requiring removal at
any time when the Town Hall is closed.
Smallpox.'—No case of Smallpox has been notified during the year.
Contacts are kept under observation until the likelihood of themselves
developing the disease is passed.
The Vaccination Officer for Tottenham informs me that the number
of Tottenham children vaccinated during 1926 was 1,050; the number of
declarations of conscientious objection to vaccination received was 1,105.