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56
age period that infection is most usually contracted
though it is, of course, to be understood that those
so infected only in a small proportion of cases show
definite physical signs of the disease. Nevertheless,
there can be no doubt but that efforts to raise the
standard of health both in children of pre-school and
school age will eventually bear fruit in a reduction of
the incidence of active disease in adult life. For this
reason the special attention which has been devoted
to this aspect of the problem is greatly to be welcomed,
though it would be a pity if the impression were to
become widespread that a large proportion of the
children in the community are actually suffering from
the disease in an active form and liable to endanger
the lives of others, since this certainly is not the
case.
In this Borough, as in others, the number of children
on the Dispensary register is considerable, but many
are infected in minor degree and make good progress
with general treatment at the clinic. There is a large
class, however, who require more active treatment and
for these there are other courses open. Heretofore, the
London County Council has accepted such children
freely for treatment in Sanatoria or in special surgical
Homes, and they remain away for long periods. The
Fulham Board of Guardians also makes itself responsible
for others, especially those coming from poorer
families. The treatment in the great majority of cases
produces arrest of the disease, and many of these children
are drafted on to special schools for the physically
defective if any deformity, e.g., in spine or joints
remains after the active condition has passed, or else
to the Open-air School, if further continuous supervision
is advisable.
This school is situated in Broomhouse Lane and has
accommodation for fifty boys and girls with a nominal
roll of sixty, and the pupils include, in addition to some
who have been in sanatoria, others whose condition has
never been serious enough to necessitate their being
sent away or whose parents are unwilling to allow