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48
Diseases complicating Scarlet Fever:—
Measles 5
Varicella 1
Diphtheria 1
Among the cases sent in, as Diphtheria 57 were found on bacteriological
examination to be free from the Klebs-Löffler Bacillus, but seven
of them proved to be suffering from Scarlet Fever, 1 from Measles;
1 from Broncho-Pneumonia; 1 from Follicular Tonsillitis; 1 from
Carious Teeth. The others were ordinary cases of Sore Throat.
Tracheotomy was performed in one case, the patient dying soon after
from Cardiac Failure. Another case in which the operation was performed
before admission to the hospital, died about half an hour after
its arrival.
TYPHOID FEVER.
Fifty-six cases of this disease were notified during the year, and 34 of
these were removed to general hospitals or the Infirmary.
The number of cases reported was the least on record, the year 1892
excepted, but in that year the ratio of cases to the population was
greater than this year.
On pages 32 and 77 will be seen the monthly and yearly records of this
disease. The greatest number of cases were reported in September and
December and the fewest in March and July, only one case occurring
in each of these latter months. This is mainly in accordance with the
seasonal incidence of Typhoid throughout the country.
The absence of rain in the summer and the consequent absence of
organic matter in the drinking water contrasting strongly with 1903, no
doubt exercised a favourable influence.
The comparative absence of the disease did not cause any slackening of
effort to deal with every case and prevent its spreading. Special
instructions were issued, and the ambulance was at the service of those
who could be provided with beds in hospital.
That a district with a population of over 100,000 inhabitants is without
proper hospital accommodation for Typhoid is a matter of reproach,
and ought at once to be seriously considered. Depending on the
generosity of general hospitals, may one day result in serious consequences,
and shirking responsibility in this matter leaves a large portion
of the duty of a Sanitary Authority undone.