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39
manner. The children are constantly moving about, backwards
and forwards to London, so that makes the problem
more difficult of investigation, but easier of explanation. As
the greater the number of points-of-contact, so the easier the
spread of infection.
DIPHTHERIA AND MEMBRANOUS CROUP.
During the past year 85 cases have been notified with 4
deaths giving a death rate of .06 per 1,000 living.
In 1904 out of 181 cases notified 10 died giving a death
rate of 18 per 1,000.
In 1903 out of 95 cases notified 14 died giving a death
rate of 28 per 1,000.
In 1902 out of 86 cases notified 8 died giving a death
rate of .17 per 1,000
In 1901 out of 75 oases notified 6 died giving a death
rate of .15 per 1,000.
On referring to the table on page 46 it will be seen that
it is necessary to go back to 1898 before finding so low a
death rate from this disease as the past year. The cases
have been fairly evenly distributed over the whole district
and as will be seen from the chart, at no time has there been
any great prevalence.
Of the 4 deaths, 2 occurred through the parents mistaking
the condition for an ordinary sore throat and neglecting
to call in help until it was too late. Provided medical
advice is sought in time no disease is so easy to arrest as
Diphtheria, now Antitoxin is as certain in its action as a