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matter was reported to the Health Committee, who went into the
desirability of putting the case for vaccination against Small Pox
prominently before the public. On Dr. Maguire's suggestion it was
arranged that a leaflet on the matter should be drawn up by the
Medical Officer of Health and sent out to the parents in the case
of every birth registered in the area. This has been carried out
since July 22nd.
Diphtheria.
The attack rate per 1,000 of the population has been 1.48. 43
cases were removed to hospital, making 81 per cent. of the total
number, 53. A certain number of the patients notified were suffering
from bacteriological diphtheria, i.e., a mild form, capable, however,
of spreading the disease of a deadly character.
On account of the extreme prevalence of diphtheria and scarlet
fever in London and the surrounding districts bacteriological examination
of the noses and throats of patients suspected to be
suffering from Diphtheria and also all contacts was of extreme importance
during the latter half of the year. A number of cases that
otherwise would not have been detected were found, also 12 positive
contacts. The practice generally carried out was to swab school
children and children below school age able to walk. When
thought advisable swabs of the nose as well as the throat were taken
In positive cases swabs were taken about fortnightly until the child
was no longer found to harbour diphtheria bacilli. When a child
has harboured diphtheria bacilli in its nose and throat for more
than about six weeks I have referred the parents to the Inoculation
Department of St. Mary's Hospital, who have made a vaccine from
the germs present in the child's throat to in???culate him.
Three children were treated in this way. The details are as
follows:—
Child No. 1. Given 4 inoculations; treatment commenced 8-12-20
treatment ended 5-1-21
Child No. 2. Given 9 inoculations; treatment commenced 26-1-21
treatment ended 31-3-21