View report page

44
Twelve of those removed to hospital died. Of these, 11 were
children under 10 years of age, and one between 10 and 15 years.
The number of deaths under 10 years proportionately to those who
contracted the disease was 1 in 12, and for those over 10 years 1 in 36;
that is, the death-rate was three times greater in persons under than
over 10 years of age.
The death-rate for those under 5 years was still greater, owing to want
of early diagnosis and treatment and the less resisting power of
minimal ages inherent in children.
Unfortunately many of our poorer people delay in sending for the
doctor for conditions simulating " a cold in the head," and the great
majority of the cases of Diphtheria in young children start with such
symptoms, and it is only when the general aspect of the child shows
that something is very seriously wrong that a doctor is consulted.
More often than not such cases are taken to the doctor's surgery in
the evening or night time, and when the notification is received by us
next morning the opportune time for removal and treatment has
gone by.
Last year's Report contained an account of the further action taken
in 1907 to lower the death-rate from this disease, and the recommendation
made that all suspicious cases of sore throat in children
under 10 years should be treated as possible Diphtheria and injection
of antitoxin form a routine treatment. A Bacteriological diagnosis
could subsequently be made, and if it were positive, the sufferer could
be removed to hospital.
In the meantime, with isolation, the right step had been taken in the
interests of the sufferer and those around him.
Many of the doctors have acted on these suggestions, but it is
difficult to expect that in all cases injection would be performed, as it
means much time and much trouble without remuneration to those who
in many other directions do a great deal of work gratuitously.
In conformity with the recommendations given as to infection, and
isolation prior to Bacteriological diagnosis, 12 provisional certificates
were received, and as many of them proved negative, the expense of
removal to Hospital and their detention there for varying periods was
saved to the Authority.