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55
infection in this Home was traced to a child which had been recently
admitted, and in whom chronic Ringworm of the Scalp had been
overlooked. To prevent a similar occurrence, especially in view of
the fact that Ringworm is becoming comparatively rare among the
school children, arrangements have uow been made for all newadmissions
to the Home to be examined at the School Clinic before
attending the Elementary School.
I think we are right in assuming that the above 11 cases represent
the total number of Scalp Ringworm cases occurring among
children in attendance at the Elementary Schools during the year.
It would be difficult for the School Nurse who makes a careful
inspection of the head of every child at least quarterly and who is
very familiar with the appearance of Scalp Ringworm, to miss cases
if any others existed. Moreover, if any were missed in this way
they would sooner or later find their way to the School Clinic, as
the bald patches would attract the Teachers. It is of interest to
compare the figures of this year with those of some years ago:—
In the year 1911 there were 133 cases
,, ,, 1912 ,, ,, 99 ,,
,, ,, 1913 ,, ,, 63 ,,
There is no doubt that the methods adopted by the Education
Committee during the past 10 years have brought this disease almost
to the point of extinction in this District.
Of the remaining Skin Diseases 36 were found at the Routine
Inspection. Of these, 27 were referred for treatment, 5 for observation,
and in 4 no treatment was recommended. The result of treatment
was that 26 were cured and 1 is still under observation; 12
received treatment at the School Clinic, 1 at hospital, and 16 at
home.
In addition to the cases above, there were 68 cases under the
heading " Specials," as follows:—
Scabies 23
Impetigo 22
Other Skin Diseases 23