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The deaths from diphtheria during the year numbered 13.
This mortality is equal to a death-rate of 3.34 per cent, attacked and
0.061 per 1,000 inhabitants, as compared with a death-rate of 5.22
per cent. attacked and 0.12 per 1,000 inhabitants for the previous
year. The death-rate from diphtheria for London during the same
period is 0.06 per 1,000 inhabitants.
During the year, 2,623 swabbings from throats of persons
suspected to be suffering from diphtheria were bacteriologically
examined, of which 219 gave positive results, and 2,404 negative
results.
Diphtheria Anti-toxin.—In accordance with the Anti-toxin
Order of 1910, a supply of diphtheria anti-toxin is provided by
the Council and issued as required to medical practitioners applying
for it in cases of diphtheria or suspected cases of diphtheria amongst
the poorer inhabitants of the Borough. During the year 38 bottles
of anti-toxin of 8,000 units each were supplied to medical practitioners,
most of which was used for prophylactic purposes.
Diphtheria Immunisation.—The active immunisation of persons
against diphtheria with toxoid-antitoxin mixture has been in
progress for some years past, and in London approximately one-half
of the Borough Councils have established Clinics for this purpose.
The Diphtheria Immunisation Clinic was opened at the Central
Maternity and Child Welfare Centre, No. 28, Lower Clapton Road,
on the 6th January, 1928, Dr. F. Porter-Smith being the Medical
Officer in charge.
Infants and children from one year of age are treated, and very
encouraging results have been obtained, as shown in the following
table :—