HC Deb 15 March 1935 vol 299 cc739-40W
Mr. GROVES

asked the Minister of Health in connection with the fatal cases of diphtheria at Dewsbury in 1931, 1932, 1933 and 1934 in inoculated children, the interval that elapsed between the date of the last inoculation and the development of the attack of diphtheria?

Sir H. YOUNG

The following is the information furnished by the local authority on this subject:

In connection with the fatal cases of diphtheria at Dewsbury in 1931, 1932, 1933 and 1934 in inoculated children, the interval that elapsed between the date of the last inoculation and the development of the attack of diphtheria was as follows:

1931. (No fatal cases).
1932. (4 fatal cases). 3 months' interval.
3 months' interval.
4 months' interval.
5 months' interval.
1933. (2 fatal cases.) 13 months' interval.
15 months' interval.
1934. (5 fatal cases.) 20 months' interval.
21 months' interval.
23 months' interval.
25 months' interval.
28 months' interval.

Mr. GROVES

asked the Minister of Health how many immunised children developed diphtheria at Leeds in 1933 and 1934; how many of these cases were shown to be Schick negative, either primarily or after immunisation; and whether any and, if so, how many were shown to be Schick negative at the time of notification or on admission to hospital as diphtheria patients?

Sir HILTON YOUNG

The following is the information furnished by the local authority on this subject:

1. Immunised children who contracted diphtheria during the years 1933 and 1934 29
2. Immunised children who gave positive Schick test before being immunised 29
3. Immunised children who gave a negative Schick test after immunisation 20

N.B.—The remaining nine of the group had not a final test as they were admitted to hospital with diphtheria before the test could be applied.

4. Immunised children who gave a negative Schick test on admission to hospital 13

N.B.—Of the remaining 16 cases, nine had no final Schick Test as explained in Note No. 3, and seven were not tested at the time of admission to hospital.

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