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9
CAUSES OF SICKNESS.
Scarlet Fever.
This disease was prevalent especially during the last
quarter of the year, 302 cases being notified against 139
during 1920. The type was mild, and there were only two
deaths.
There is little doubt that the spread of infection was
brought about by "missed" cases and those not recognised
until late in the disease.
Children have been found peeling at school, and many
cases have not been notified until desquamating, no medical
practitioner having been summoned until this stage is
reached, the parents regarding the original sickness, etc.,
as a "bilious attack."
The number of notifications received each month shows
the top of the curve in November.
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apl. May. June. July. Aug.
11. 16. 16. 21. 11. 16. 28. 7
Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
25. 50. 58. 43.
Diphtheria.
Seventy-nine cases were notified compared with 82 during
1920. In September 10 cases occurred at St. Paul's
Girls' School, where a carrier was discovered, isolated, and
treated, resulting in the temination of the outbreak.
Influenza.
At the end of the year a mild form of Influenza occurred,
affecting all classes alike.
The general practitioners report that the onset was
sudden, with myalgic pains and gastric symptoms.
Pneumonic complications appear to have been very rare,
only one case of influenzal pneumonia being notified before
the end of the year.
Influenza vaccine was at the disposal of the medical
practitioners.