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15
Scarlet Fever.—It will be noted that 142 cases of this disease
were admitted out of the total of 264 certified, being more than
one-half. This' compares with 273 out of 530 in 1896 and with 125 to
420 for 1895.
During the first quarter 56 cases of this disease were admitted the
cases notified being 95.
During the second quarter 26 cases of this disease were admitted
the cases notified being 54.
During the third quarter 25 cases of this disease were admitted the
cases notified being 48, and
During the fourth quarter 35 cases of this disease were admitted
the cases notified being 67.
Diphtheria.—Fifteen patients were admitted comparing with 24
for 1896 and with eight for 1895. Of these 15 cases, 2 were admitted
on the second day of the disease, 4 on the third day, 3 on the fourth
day, 3 on the fith, 2 on the sixth and 1 on the seventh. In only one of
these cases had the antitoxin treatment which is now recognised as the
one most calculated to be successful been used, and as the efficacy of
this remedy depends mainly upon the early period upon which it can be
administered, it will be seen that a considerable loss of time with regard
to it was lost in the great majority of these cases, most of which on
admission were in a very critical condition.
In my opinion the objects of the Isolation Hospital are to a
great extent of no avail as to the stopping the spread of infectious
diseases if the patients are allowed to remain ill at their homes for an
unnecessarily long period before application is made for their removal
to the Hospital, and I trust that in future less delay will occur, and
that the applications will be forwarded to the Council's Offices as soon
as the nature of the case is ascertained and when for isolation purposes
the removal of the said patients is desired.
Typhoid Fever.—Three cases of this disease were admitted
during the year. Two of these were discharged cured, but the third,
although showing certain symptoms of typhoid fever, was not considered
to be suffering from this disease, but was kept under observation for a