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63
With regard to the incidence of venereal disease the following table
shows the death-rates of infants per 1,000 births, certified to have died
from syphilis :—
1901-5 2.8
1906-10 3.2
1911-15 2.4
1916-20 4.95
1921-25 1.7
1926 0.62
1927 2.8
1928 0.72
1929 0.73
1930 2.1
1931 1.6
Ophthalmia neonatorum.— There are a number of cases in which
inflammation develops in the eyes of recently-born infants, and if the
discharge remains watery in nature and pus does not form the condition
need not be classified as ophthalmia. The infection, nevertheless, may
be gonococcal in origin. Those are necessarily mild cases, but it is
important that they should be recognised and treated at an early stage,
because if neglected genuine purulent ophthalmia might ensue.
Seven cases were notified during the year, 4 of those being
treated in hospital. There were also 13 instances of watery discharge
from the eyes which were brought to the notice of the health visitors.
All cases of ophthalmia neonatorum are visited as soon as possible after
notification in order to see that adequate treatment is being provided.
Treatment by the district nurses was carried out in 1 case, 3 visits
being paid.
It is satisfactory to note that the incidence of ophthalmia neonatorum
has decreased, and investigations show that the infections are much
milder in character. At the end of the year, it is reported that no case
of impaired vision had resulted among the cases notified throughout
the year.
Dental Treatment.—The Council provides for the treatment of cases
both under the Maternity and Child Welfare and Tuberculosis Schemes.
Figures relating to the latter will be found in the Tuberculosis Section of
the Report. Expectant and nursing mothers, and children under five years
of age, are eligible for treatment.
Mr. Stewart Tait, Dental Surgeon, submits the following report:—
"The annexed tabular statement shows that the increase reported
in my last Report has been maintained, the total number of operations
of various kinds being much the same as in the previous year.
"The work has proceeded on much the same lines as before, but
while there has been a marked decrease in the number of extractions