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35
In connection with the 55 cases of Non-Pulmonary Tuberculosis
notified to the Public Health Department during the year it is
interesting to learn in view of the recent discussions on the Milk
Supply that in only 19 instances was cow's milk used, the remaining
36 using condensed or other milk.
Diagnosis.—The same methods outlined last year were continued
in 1922 and found increasingly useful.
Duration or Illness.—Taking 99 deaths in 1922 from
Pulmonary Tuberculosis (52 men, 36 women, 11 children), whose
histories were recorded at the Dispensary, the average duration of
illness for both sexes worked out at 31.6 months as against 35.5 in
1921, the difference between the males and females being 1.8 months
as against 5.6 in the previous year. In the children the average
duration was also shorter, being 7.2 months compared with 15.3 in
1921.
Family History.—In connection with 99 deaths alluded to in
the previous paragraph, there was a history of the Tuberculosis
amongst the near relatives (father, mother, brothers, sisters) in 39
instances, and amongst remote relatives (uncles, aunts, etc.) in
11 cases. Amongst the non-tuberculous the proportions were not
greatly different.
Treatment.—Specific treatment at the Dispensary is now
mainly confined to Tuberculin, although other vaccine's are not
neglected. In view of the public interest evinced in " Sphalinger's
Serum," it might be stated that application was made early last
year for a supply of this remedy as soon as it became available.
Sanatorium Treatment.—During the year 177 patients were
sent to Sanatoria, 108 under the County Scheme, 31 through the
Guardians and 38 through other sources. In addition, 36 children
are attending the open-air school at Shooters Hill. Warm acknowledgement
must be made of the great assistance rendered by the
Guardians not only in the prompt admission of cases recommended
to them for sanatorium and hospital treatment but also for their
ever ready help in affording extra nourishment to patients referred
to them from the Dispensary. Admission to Sanatorium under the
County Scheme generally involves a delay of several weeks ; under
the Guardians removal is effected within a week.
Of patients admitted under the County Scheme, 16 were
admitted for the second time and one for the third time. The
average duration of residence remains much the same, but 15 cases
(chiefly " observation cases ") were discharged under one month.