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56
A year later, the nurse reported no new cases for four
months at these three schools and only two still receiving
treatment. Clearance was ascribed to early detection through
warning children; exclusion of sufferers from showers and swimming;
and early treatment. Special measures described below had
also been introduced in July 1956.
In 1956, reports of plantar warts were received from Ashburton
Secondary Modern School, both girls and boys. Here (and
at Gilbert Scott) sterilising the floors of the showers with
hypochlorite solutions was introduced.
A year later the number of cases in the girls' school was
50% less, but there was no change in the boys' school.
In 1957, I wrote to all general practitioners asking them to
exclude any patient with plantar warts from swimming and offering
treatment through the school clinics. All Head Teachers
were asked to exclude any child from showers, swimming or barefoot
P. T., who had a plantar wart.
A survey in November 1958 to ascertain the present position
showed 12 schools where barefoot drill and games were being performed.
With the exception of two schools, the reported incidence of
plantar warts was no higher in these than in schools where no
barefoot P. T. was allowed.