Diphtheria in late-nineteenth-century Sweden: policy and practice

Presents the public health legislation relevant to infectious diseases and investigates how two Swedish towns, Sundsvall and Gothenburg, were struck by, and dealt with diphtheria in the late 19C. Reporting to the State was an important feature of compliance with the legislation, but hospital provision, isolating infected patients, disinfection of homes and the later use of serum treatment, had varying histories in the two towns. Also considers whether public debate showed concern about the rise in mortality among children. (Original abstract - amended)