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57
1908. The average length of stay in hospital has been
33.85 days, as compared with 27.17 in 1908. The time has
been longer owing to the large proportion showing signs
of heart affections. Whether it was due to the virulence
of infection or length of time before injection with Antitoxin
I cannot say, but the proportion of these cases has
been larger than ever before, in my experience. Unless
great care had been exercised by the nursing staff, I am sure
the death-rate would have been higher still. With patience
and care, nearly all these cases did well and made good
recovery. There were five cases of Tracheotomy, of which
four recovered and one died.
In the earlier part of the year there were two instances
where other cases were notified from the same house within
three weeks of the return from Hospital of the original case.
As a result, swabs are now taken from the patients throats
and sent to Dr. Thresh at the County Laboratory, for
diagnosis, and as a rule the patients are not discharged
until two negative ones are obtained. One doubtful case on
admission gave two negative results in ten days, was discharged
and developed paralysis after return home.
ENTERIC FEVER.
Three cases of this disease were admitted during the
year from this district. Two made a good recovery and one
was in Hospital at the end of the year in a convalescent
condition.
This last case developed an abscess over each scapula and
one on the left shoulder. These were opened and drained,
which was followed by rapid repair.