An Epidemic of Virulent Diphtheria

The comparatively small but seriously lethal epidemic ?f virulent or " malignant" diphtheria described in this article exhibited certain unusual clinical and bacteriological characteristics which were thought to of sufficient general interest to warrant recording. The cases comprised a series of 40 in number from the middle of January, 1929, to May 14th, 1929. There were 22 males and 18 females. The ages ranged from twenty-five to two years, but 52 per cent, were under ten years, and, curiously, 25 per cent, were in their eighth year. The cases arose in a large and scattered area, and no particular school or carrier or milk supply eould be proved responsible for the outbreak.