DIPHTHERIA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 4931, 11 January 1877, Page 5

DIPHTHERIA.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sir,— As I have reason to believe, that erroneous reports have been spread abroad about the recent deaths in Mr. Duff’s family, will you kindly insert the following facts, I was called to Mr. Duff’s on December 21, and found three of the children suffering from malignant diphtheria. One died,during my first visit, another very early on the following day, the third, who had been ill a fortnight, and had no treatment beyond domestic remedies, improved somewhat for the first three days, and then, owing to a larger quantity of food being accidentally given than usual, vomiting set in, which so prostrated her that she had not sufficient vital power left to rally. On the 25th the two other children, who had been sent away directly it was known from what the children were suffering, were brought home with , symptoms of the disease. Mr. Duff wished for a consultation, and Dr. Diver was sent for (at Mr. Duff’s particular request). He saw the children with me, and we together decided upon, a plan of treatment, which was carried out, with such alterations as were from time to time necessary. On the 29th, it being necessary to perform tracheotomy to save one of the children from immediate suffocation, I requested Dr. Grace might be sent for. He also concurred in the treatment which was being carried out. For some days.they progressed favorably, became worse on the 30th, and died on the 31st. Of the first three cases it may be said they were beyond human aid when it was sought. Of the last two, they sank, as a large majority do from diphtheria in the hands of the most skilled, in spite of treatment and constant watching.—lam, &c., 1 W. G. Kemp. The Terrace, January 10.