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17
It is very satisfactory to note from this table the high
Schick negative rate after six months. Preliminary
Schick testing was soon discarded owing to the very high
percentage of positives (90%).
After a period of three years had elapsed since the
original injections a further Schick test was offered. Of
the 58 acceptances three gave a slight positive Schick
reaction which became negative after one further injection.
This means that 94.8% had retained their immunity
as evidenced by the Schick test after three years, and
the others had probably sustained a partial loss only.
The number who failed to complete the full course of
injections was remarkably low and in view of the numerous
possible reasons for failure to complete, is a
testimonial to the negligible discomfort suffered by the
children on the first injection.
One of the group who had completed the course and
had been found Schick negative developed a mild
diphtheria. This is, of course, much below the expected
rate in immunised children.
MEASLES.
The year under review was a measles epidemic year
and the scheme instituted in 1936 was repeated on the
same lines as described in my Annual Report for that
year. The scheme in brief provides for the distribution of
adult measles serum, domiciliary nursing, and the admission
of complicated cases to hospital.
The Use of Adult Measles Serum.
No change was made in the general administration of
the scheme for serum distribution. The object of the injection
was attenuation in the majority of cases, and the
dose recommended was 10 cc. given approximately six
days after exposure to infection. The following is a statement
of the results obtained as compiled from the returns
made by medical practitioners:—