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49
Prevalence and Control over Tuberculosis.
26 deaths were due to some form of Tuberculosis, which
is equal to a death-rate of .58 per 1,000 of the population, as
compared with 34 deaths and a rate of .81 in 1912. 16 of
the deaths were due to Pulmonary Tuberculosis, which gives
a Phthisis death-rate of .36, as compared with .66 in 1912.
In connection with Tuberculosis, the past year has been
a noteworthy one. It has seen a very great increase in the
administrative activity directed towards the control of the
disease. The compulsory notification of all cases of Phthisis
was brought into effect on January 1st, 1912, and the conception
of a national scheme fox dealing with this scourge
has taken place. Arrangements will, of course, take time to
effect, but there can be no doubt of the great part this scheme
will play in the crusade. With a rapidity that is somewhat
astonishing, though nevertheless welcome, further regulations
were made at the end of the year 1912 for the compulsory
notification of all forms of Tuberculosis, and these came into
operation in February, 1913. By this last measure we shall
be able to obtain definite and reliable information as to the
distribution and extent of those forms of Tuberculous disease
which we know cause such a wastage of life and efficiency in
the young.
83 notifications in respect of 55 cases of Pulmonary
Tuberculosis were received during the year. 60 were visited
by the Health Visitor or Medical Officer of Health, and in
the remainder the medical practitioner expressed the wish
that no visit should be made, and assured me that all precautions
were being taken.
The Nurse made 201 visits in connection with these notifications.
Our procedure is as follows:—Upon the reoeipt of a
notification in respect of Pulmonary Tuberculosis a visit is
made to the home, and various particulars obtained. Whereever
necessary general advice is given as to the hygienic
measures to be taken; a pamphlet giving advice to consumptives
is left. Arrangements for disinfection are made if the