The Utility of Bacteriological Examination in a Diphtheria Epidemic in a School; with Special Reference to the Diphtheria in the Poplar Union Schools at Forest Gate, in 1898-1899

In January 1899 I was called upon to make a bacteriological examination of the childrens' throats in the Poplar Union Schools at Forest Gate, where an epidemic of sore throat had culminated in an increasing number of cases of diphtheria. Before entering into the discussion of the epidemic, it will be as well to say a few words about the general health of the school for the half year preceding the outbreak of sore throat. It will be seen, on referring to the Report of the Medical Officer, Dr. Bell, that the health of the school as a whole was good during this period. Scarlet Fever.?The number of children present at the school averages 600; they are housed in " Barrack Buildings." From March 1898 to October 1898 twenty-seven cases of scarlet fever occurred as follows:?