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26
From a national and economic standpoint, the child of 12 years
who is killed in a road accident is a greater potential loss to the
community than a person of over 65 years of age who dies from
cancer or a heart disability.
Recently, Dr. D. J. R. Snow, Epidemiologist to the Department
of Public Health for Western Australia, has analysed vital statistics
with a view to determining the number of ' useful years lost' for
each of the major causes of death and his investigations have
revealed that on this basis 'automobile and other accidents' head
the list as the primary cause of premature death with cancer and
coronary disease in 3rd and 5th places respectively ; suicide moves
up from 13th to 7th position.
It follows that even greater attention should be focussed on
accident pre ention measu es.
Leptospirosis (Weil's Disease).—This comparatively rare
disease, which is scheduled by the Secretary of State as one coming
within the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1925, is often indistinguishable,
clinically, from infective hepatitis and is primarily
one peculiar to rats. Its onset is marked by fever, enlargement of
the liver and spleen and jaundice. Human infection is chiefly
brought about by contact with mud, slime or water which has been
contaminated by the urine of diseased animals, the leptospira
generally entering through a cut, abrasion or mucous membrane.
As one would expect, this complaint is prevalent mainly among
sewermen, miners, farmworkers and others of similar occupation.
One fatal case of this spirochaetal jaundice was registered during
the year, the man being employed by contractors engaged in building
a bridge across Deptford Creek. On admittance to hospital a
presumptive diagnosis of Weil's disease was made in respect of this
case and as a result two specimens of mud and four of water were
obtained from the Deptford Creek for bacteriological examination—
they showed no evidence of leptospiral infection.
An occurrence of this nature coincs strictly within the jurisdiction
of H.M. Factory Inspector but nevertheless advice was given
by this department concerning hygiene on the site. Special emphasis
was made regarding the provision of protective clothing such as
gum boots and rubber gloves as well as proper supervision of ablutions
and supply of disinfectant.