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With regard to the incidence of venereal disease the following table,
showing the death rates of infants per 1,000 births certified to have died
from syphilis, is reproduced from the report of last year, with the inclusion
of the year 1925. This makes complete the five-yearly period
1921-25, which was given last year as 1921-24 :—
1901-5 2.8
1906-10 3.2
1911-15 2.4
1916-20 4.95
1921-25 1.7
It will be seen that there is a notable decline in infant deaths from
this cause during this period. During the war period the high death-rate
among infants would appear to indicate that infectious venereal disease
was unduly prevalent, and the fall in the quinquennium under review
is evidence that this infection has largely lost its power to transmit
affliction and death to the innocents.
Dental Treatment.—A scheme for dental treatment in connection
with maternity and child welfare was inaugurated in 1920. Reference
has already been made to its working in relation to the tuberculosis
scheme of the Council. Cases requiring treatment among expectant
and nursing mothers and among children up to five years of age are
eligible for treatment on the recommendation of the medical officer of
the centre or health visitors. The part which pathological dental conditions
play in interfering with normal health has already been fully
discussed, and it only remains to add that knowledge of these dangers
is now becoming fully appreciated by expectant and nursing mothers.
The work of the dental clinic has shown very satisfactory progress.
Mr. W. II. Turner, L.D.S., adds the following remarks with a table
showing the work during the past five years:—
"I have pleasure in stating that the clinic has had another successful
year with a continued increase in its work.
(6375)Q G