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There was no evidence in this outbreak that dysentery was spread by food
infection, nevertheless all precautions were taken since spread in this manner could
not be altogether ruled out. Fourteen cases of dysentery actually occurred in food
handlers, that is persons concerned with handling food in food establishments
outside their own homes. There were also 61 persons found to be handling food who
were contacts, and it was considered advisable in these cases for temporary
discontinuance of their work until the risk of their spreading infection unknowingly
was no longer present. Where necessary, a certificate was issued enabling a person
excluded as a contact, on the advice of the Medical Officer of Health, to claim National
Health Insurance benefit on production of the certificate. Very few of the cases
were severely ill and no deaths occurred due to dysentery. The great majority were
nursed at home and recovered within a fairly short time without complications.
In a smaller number of cases, owing to special circumstances, admission to Hospital
was arranged.
Scabies and Vermin.
The number of cases of scabies treated continues to decrease. Benzyl benzoate
continues to be the treatment of choice for scabies and proprietory 2 per cent. D.D.T.
emulsion for the treatment of verminous heads. Both of these preparations have
given extremely satisfactory results for their respective purposes.
Complicated cases of scabies and special cases referred by the general practitioners
continue to be seen by the Council's consulting dermatologist, Dr. Marre, at the
Scabies Clinic, which is held weekly.

* One case was treated at home,
* Baths were given to 21 Scabies and 6 Infectious disease Contacts.