DIPHTHERIA.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 June 1924, Page 4

DIPHTHERIA.

IN'. KEASE IX NEW ZEALAND

.MAKING CHILDREN IAIMIXT

Ihe lirst q.tartel oi llm real for the

Dominion was an average cue, as regards incidence of diphtlmiia, a total

number ol 170 cases being notified during that period, as compared with

ease- for the corresponding per iod in the previous year. say.-, the \\ el hngten “Post."

Since the end of March, however, the number of eases notified hv weeks was. as follows, the weekly figures for approximately the same period last year being slant ll in parentheses:

Week elided April 7, 17. eases (.Mil

April 11, till GIL ; April 21. 02 (IS) April 24, 02 .17): May ■.. ?0 cT■ I) May 12. (>.T CM; May 10, 44 02) .av 2:i. liTT (til); June 2. 71 (I.T). INCREASED PREVALENCE.

These figures show a considerably increased prevalence of the disease lot the pre-eni year a- compared with 1 e-j:!. In the latter year, however, the disease l was at an unusually low ebb the notifications being lower than lor

soUie ten years past. The posili. a in regard to the disease ai present is that it is fairly evenly distributed throughout the Dominion —no particular distiici showing a marked prevalence as compared with others. I'ho larger centres, of course, contribute the major number of eases. 1 111111 u I .is:< 1 ion to the disease l.y Hie administration of toxin-antitoxin may reasonably ha expected to prevent such an undue incidence of diphtheria In New Zealand. The immunity acquired in this way. however, is a somewhat gradual process, and to obtain the maximum effects it would be neces-

sary for the campaign against diplit! aria to be commented in the early part of the year—soon after the Christmas holidays. It takes some tire” or four mouths alter the inoculation before the individual is completely immunised. For the present year, the maximum benefit could not he achieved from this method of prophylaxis. THE NEW TREATMENT. It is hoped, however, l.y the medical officers of the Health Department that before another diphtheria season comes upon us facilities for immunisation will be available for children whose parents desire to avail themselves of

This method of combatting diphtheria lias been given considerable publicity in both America and England. A late issue of the London "Times” contains an article in which the now treatment of diphtheria and its results are reviewed, and the case for active immunisation by toxin-antitoxin preparation is clearly established. Following this article itt the London

“Times" is a review of a volume on diphtheria, published by the Medical Research Council—“a work.” it says, "which must rank as one of the most important monographs of its kind in tho world. Its chief merit lies in the fact that it presents a complete and practical exposition of tho disease, the conquest of which, if tho term may he used, lias now reached it? final stage. This book states the case for toxinantitoxin immunisation." Continuing the medical correspondent of “The Times" remarks:—“The Schiele test makes it possible with but little trouble to find the unprotected boys and girls in a given school. The toxinantitoxin treatment makes it possible, again, with small difficulty, to render them safe.”