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125
From a consideration of the above, it is very evident that a
great deal of re-infection is taking place. Out of a total of 1,965
children, there were 1,128 who received one cleansing only during
the period in question, these being equal to over 57 per cent. of the
total, those receiving two cleansings equalled over 12 per cent.,
and those receiving three cleansings over 13 per cent., the remainder
receiving four or more cleansings. The question naturally arises,
what are the causes bringing about this re-infection An attempt
to answer this question is the chief object of this report. Re-infection
may be brought about in three ways:-
1. By some verminous article of clothing or bedding
escaping disinfection.
2. By some other member of the family above or
below school ages being verminous.
3. By the purchase of second-hand articles of clothing
which are verminous.
1. Re-infection by some verminous article of clothing or
bedding escaping disinfection is, of course, possible, but I do not
think this cause is sufficient to account for the large amount of
re-infection taking place.
2. Re-infection by members of the family other than those
at school ages may also occur, and there are some who think this
is the chief cause of re-infections. Where one member of a family
is verminous it is quite likely that others are infected also; but
while this may be a cause in some cases, I do not think it will
account for the whole of the re-infection taking place; for it must
be remembered that parents are giving more attention to the
cleanliness cf their children and homes (this is unquestionable),
but the total amount of this form of uncleanliness is not
diminishing in proportion to the preventive measures taken.