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52
TUBERCULOSIS SURVEYS
All new entrants in Infants' Schools, with the exception of
known contacts of tuberculous relatives and children who had
already had a primary infection prior to school entry, were tuberculin
patch tested.
Total number patch tested 787
Total number negative 775
Number not read 4
Total number found to be positive 8
Analysis of the positive cases:
Two were found to be suffering from primary infection, previously
unknown. One of the cases was recently adopted, in the
other case the father was found to be suffering from pulmonary
tuberculosis. This proves again the value of the skin test for tuberculosis
in young children. Those found to be suffering from their
primary infection can be treated and sometimes the source of
infection, frequently in the family circle, can be traced and treatment
arranged.
In three other cases no contact could be traced.
Of the remaining three cases, two were known as family
contacts but this fact had not previously been mentioned—the third
had been vaccinated with B.C.G. and this too, had not been
disclosed.
All these children were referred to the chest clinic for further
supervision.
HEALTH TALKS
Several talks to Parents and Teachers were given by the School
Medical Officer and lively discussions ensued. The School Medical
Officer also gave talks to school leavers in the Secondary Modern
Schools on matters of health.