DIPHTHERIA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16492, 6 March 1914, Page 3

DIPHTHERIA.

A DANGEROUS DISEASE,

NUMBER OF CASES NORMAL IN THE CITY.

Diphtheria generally is one of the most dreaded diseases amongst children, and tho presence, of it in a community is always a matter for grave consideration.

A few years ago the disease was widespread in Christchurch among small children, and in the Hospital there were many cases of infection. This year, however, tho figures avo quite normal so far, and one of tho elements in the control of the tronble is said to be the bacteriological department at the Hospital, which is being used freely by doctors in this special direction. Tiro number of cases reported this year and' during the corresponding periods of the two previous years are as follows:

So far two c-ase.s have been reported this month. The figures show that the number of cases is absolutely normal, hut it is anticipated that as the year goes on the figures for 1914 tvill show a considerable improvement. An aspect of the _ statistics that should be considered is that, with the advantage of bacteriological examination cases that might otherwise escape detection have been made knows, and the attention to the disease, growing ..stricter every year, is another element which tends to secure the inclusion in tho list of all cases. DETECTION OP DIPHTHERIA.

Owing to the frequency with which diphtheria escapes detection until it is well developed, tho disease is more dangerous than it should be. Parents who 1 do not see any dangers in a sore throat are alarmed later to find that diphtheria has deen disclosed, and that its hold is so strong that life is endangered. Treatment by antitoxin has worked wonders hi combating' the .mortality through the disease, but if it is not used.promptly its virtue is small. \ There are few symptoms that poinft absolutely to the disease, and the caution of medical authorities is that whenever a child has a ‘ sore throat the doctor should be consulted. Children's throats become affected without the victim suffering pain, and the disease may be well established before the child complains of any suffering. The neck .but an examination of the throat will usually disclose a whitish-grey membrane on the tonsils, with a tendency § to spread over tho palate. The mom- I brane is difficult to release and when | it is detached bleeding follows, s The 1 symptoms are so liko tonsilitis that 8 it is considered advisable always In suspect the more serious ailment and to seek medical aid. Parts of the growth are usually put under bacteriological diagnosis, but in some cases the bacteria arc so covered that their growth 16 slow, so that the use of antitoxin is recommended where the disease is suspected. The risks attending delayed treatment are so great that it is thought advisable always to n.v antitoxin before the bacteriological diagnosis is completed. PRECAUTIONS IN CHRISTCHURCH. It is stated that tho precautions taken in Christchurch by the doctors I are strict. It is customary wlnm a I doctor is called in to see a child to I have an examination of the throat, 8 whatever the known ailment of the pa- U tient may bo. If any suspicious growth | is detected a. portion is sent to the

bacteriological department of the hospital, and an examination of it obtained. The statistics of the world show that tho mortality in diphtheria lias increased, but it is generally accepted that the increased knowledge and facility-for the detection of the 'disease has led to tho detection of more eases .and to their classification under the correct heading. The mortality per 1000 of population between 18819t) was .16 and between 1891-95 it was .25, but the use of antitoxin and tho early precautions have kept the spread of the trouble in check _so effectually that the medical authorities are even hopeful that if parents are watchful and careful when sore throats are complained of, the disease may he made less dangerous and less frequent inf its attacks. .

1914. 1913. 1912. January . o 5 6 February . 6 6 4