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The deaths from diphtheria during the year numbered 7.
This mortality is equal to a death-rate of 2.38 percent, attacked and
0.033 per 1,000 inhabitants, as compared with a death-rate of 3.34
per cent, attacked and 0.061 per 1,000 inhabitants for the previous
year. The death-rate from diphtheria for London during the same
period is 0.05 per 1,000 inhabitants.
During the year, 2,296 swabbings from throats of persons
suspected to be suffering from diphtheria were bacteriologically
examined, of which 136 gave positive results, and 2,160 negative
results. At the request of the local branch of the Invalid Children's
Aid Association the Medical Officer of Health took swabbings from
the noses and throats of 160 children who were about to be admitted
to convalescent homes.
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 25 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 has been available for Hackney residents since
January, 1928, when the Council established a Diphtheria Immunisation
Clinic at the maternity and child welfare centre at No. 28,
Lower Clapton Road. The work of the Clinic was supplemented
during 1936, by the adoption of a scheme under which the Council
pays a fee to local medical practitioners for administering immunising
injections.
The Council has approved 23 applications to be placed on the
list of medical practitioners taking part in this work.