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The deaths from diphtheria during the year numbered 8.
This mortality is equal to a death-rate of 3.31 percent, attacked and
0.039 per 1,000 inhabitants, as compared with a death-rate of 2.38
per cent. attacked and 0.033 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, 2,290 swabbings from throats of persons
suspected to be suffering from diphtheria were bacteriologically
examined, of which 108 gave positive results, and 2,182 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 185 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 22 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 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, and the Council
opened an additional clinic at the new centre at No. 136, Richmond
Road, in October, 1937.
The Council has approved 24 applications from medical practitioners
wishing to take part in the Council's scheme,