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14
There can be no doubt that many cases of Diphtheria are now
diagnosed that would have been overlooked a few years ago before
such facilities existed for bacteriological examination ; at the same time
cases thought to be Diphtheria are found not to be so. Most medical
men have had cases in which the result of the examination of the swab
has been contrary to their expectations. A more extended use of
swabs in cases of sore throat in which the cause is at all doubtful is
needed and that there should be no obstacle in the way on account of
postage expenses the Council now refund the cost of same. It
frequently happens that the diphtheria bacillus is present in the nose
while absent in the throat.
RETURN CASES.
Two instances in the year appear to require report under this
heading:
Diphtheria case 94/1919 was discharged from Hospital January
15th, 1920, after 38 days detention, there brothers sickened and were
removed to Hospital for Diphtheria between January 19th and 26th,
one after a positive swab. Case 94 was then swabbed with positive
result and sent back to Hospital.
Diphtheria case 97/1919, discharged after Scarlet Fever November
12th after 43 days detention. On December 13th had a nasal
discharge, was swabbed with positive result and sent back to Hospital,
was again discharged on December 24th. On February 6th, 1920
four children including case 97 were notified for Diphtheria after
positive swabs, but being ill with measles were not sent to Hospital.
SCARLET FEVER.
72 Cases of scarlet fever were notified during the year. This may
be regarded as a moderate number. One death occurred. In tne
preceding three years there had been an extraordinary decrease in the
number, viz.:—27 in 1916, 21 in 1917, 30 in 1918, against 108 in 1915
and nearly 200 in our worst year.
Careful records were kept of the milk supply in each case, but we
failed to trace infection to this source in any instance.