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11
SCARLET FEVER.
Eighteen cases of this disease were notified, as. compared
with 29 the previous year. 13 of these were
removed to the Isolation Hospital of the Hendon Rural
District Council, under the arrangement in force between
that Council and yourselves. In most cases the disease
was of mild type. One case occurred connected with the
return from hospital of a previous case.
The Scarlet Fever cases were distributed amongst 13
streets and roads. In 14 houses 1 case occurred in each
house, and in 2 houses 2 cases in each house. In many
instances the source of infection was undiscoverable, and
the experience of other years in regard to the extent to
which overlooked cases are responsible for outbreaks of
the disease was again verified. None appeared to be in
any way connected with infected milk or water, or other
source capable of extending the disease widely.
The early symptoms are sore throat, vomiting and
fever, followed after 24 hours by a bright red rash. Any
child with these symptoms should be strictly separated
from others, and medical advice called in at once.
DIPHTHERIA.
Thirteen cases of this disease were notified and 11
removed to the Isolation Hospital for treatment. They
were generally of a mild character. No deaths resulted
from this disease. In only four instances was there direct
infection from one case to the other. The cases occurred
in 11 different roads and streets. The use of anti-toxin
has done an immense amount of good in reducing the
mortality and suffering from this disease.
Shivering, fever, sore throat, swollen glands, and
difficulty of swallowing are the early symptoms of this
disease. 'When these symptoms happen in a child it
should be isolated at once, and the doctor sent for. It
is most important that cases should be properly treated
as early as possible.
In every case of Infectious Disease notified the house
is visited by the M.O.H. and Sanitary Inspector, and, if
necessary, the house drains are tested. Enquiries are
made as to the probable source of infection, sanitary
condition of premises, employment of working members
of the family, schools attended by children and such