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129
We see from the table that re-infections are not only more
common amongst the second-hand clothed families ; but there is a
preponderating percentage amongst these over families not so
clothed, and this is only what may be anticipated. We see that
re-infections occur in the former to the extent of 27'1 per cent.,
and in the latter to the extent of 9 2 per cent, of the total, i.e.,
of the total number of re-infections 71 per cent, occur amongst the
wearers of second-hand clothes. These figures point to more than
coincidences and are, in my opinion, additional proofs of infection
brought about by second-hand clothes.
Supplementary Evidence derived from Information voluntarily
given by Mothers or Persons in Charge of Verminous Children.
In quite a large number of instances the District Inspectors
on visiting homes of verminous children, and making enquiries
as to the source of infection, were voluntarily informed, either
by the mother or some person in charge of the children, that they
had discovered certain articles of wearing apparel, which they had
purchased second-hand and had been worn by the affected child,
were verminous.
Sometimes this discovery was made soon after purchase, but
at other times not till a later date. The further information had been
volunteered that, on discovery of the verminous clothing, it had
either been destroyed or boiled. The number of instances in which
the above information had been volunteered are not few. No note
was made at the time of these facts, so that the exact number cannot
be given ; but the Inspectors who made the enquiries estimate that
the number reached roughly from 8 to 10 per cent, of the total
families. If this is so, and I have no reason to think the estimate is
exaggerated there appears to be a widespread belief amongst
mothers that the source of the infection of their homes and children
with lice is to be found largely in clothing purchased while in an
infected condition.
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