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These figures show that the schools were comparatively free
from infectious disease during the year. The parents, however,
should not imagine that the small number of Diphtheria cases that
has occurred during the past years is likely to be maintained. It is
quite possible that the figures of previous years may recur, and I
would strongly urge parents to obtain immunisation against this
disease. Such immunisation can be obtained through the general
Practitioners of the District or the Medical Officers employed by
the Council.
DETECTION AND PREVENTION OF SPREAD OF INFECTIOUS
DISEASE.
Close co-operation exists between the School Medical Department
and the Public Health Department, whereby when either
becomes aware of infectious disease in any school, house, or district,
the other department is informed. Joint action is therefore
possible in preventing the spread of infectious disease.
VERMIN.
Of 3,436 children examined at Routine Inspection, 7 were
found to have vermin in their hair, and 182 had nits—i.e., 5.5 per
cent, had unclean heads.
No child was found to have body vermin.
THE WORK OF THE SCHOOL NURSES.
There are four school nurses. One is attached to each of the
three Treatment Clinics, which she attends daily for the treatment
of minor ailments; one oi them is also in charge of the Aural Clinic.
Each nurse is responsible for the following up of children attending
her clinic, for the cleanliness of the scholars attending the schools
which feed her clinic, and for any visits to those schools besides
those for head inspections. In addition to these duties, two of the
school nurses attend in turn at the Routine Medical Inspection to
assist the Medical Officer. The fourth nurse is employed mainly
on dental work assisted by a clerk.