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Infection derived from such cases gives rise to the disease in its
typical form and it is to these facts we must look for the explanation
of its spread and difficulty experienced in tracing the intermediate
cases in the various groups.
The question of infection by means of milk has been carefully
considered with a negative result. There appeared, however, to be
some risk of infection from the method in which milk is distributed.
The milk vendors, for convenience, leave the morning milk at the
various houses in small cans, subsequently collecting them in the
evening, a fresh can beirg left with that supply, which is collected
the following morning. Clearly, unless the cans are scalded before
being used a second time, they may become the means of carrying
infection. Circular letters were sent to the various vendors pointing
out these dangers, and emphasising the importance of carrying out
the instructions contained in Sec. 13 of the Dairies, Cowsheds and
Milk Shops Order, which relate to this matter. A copy of the order
being sent with each letter.
Diphtheria and Membranous Croup.
Seventeen cases of diphtheria, occurring in 12 houses, were
notified. The majority of the cases were of a slight nature.
Cases—Diphtheria.
North Side, South Side, I Norwood,
4. 12. | 1.
West Ward, East YVard,
9. 8.
Membranous Croup.
W est, East,
2. i.
Ages.
1—5 years. 5—15 years. 15—25 years.
3. 12. 2.
Males, Females,
7. 10.
Infected Houses,
North, South, Norwood,
4. 7. 1.
Jan. March. April. May. June. Aug. Sept. Nov.
I. 2. I. 3. I. I. I. 7.
Incidence of Diphtheria per 1,000 of Population.
1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902
3.2 2.6 0.4 0.5 11.1 9.3 11 .7 3.9 1.0 1.5
v v . v v .
.3.5 . 5.5
Average incidence per 1,000 for Average incidence per 1,000 for
years 1893—1897. years 1898—1902.