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proportions in 1941 when 300 cases were treated. The method
of the spread of this disease is very obscure. It used to
be considered as a dirt disease and, in the early stages of
this outbreak, it was mostly confined to the unclean but now
we find it among people who are accustomed to keep themselves
and their clothes clean. Many new remedies have been advocated
and we have tried most of them, It has quite definitely been
proved that treatment cannot adequately be carried out by the
patients themselves.
Two hundred and seven cases were treated at the Health
Centre, 59 at Northside First Aid Post, 25 at St. Mary's
First Aid Post and 9 at the Disinfecting Station. Much work
is involved In treating a case of scabies to its conclusion.
The patient is thoroughly soaked in a hot bath and thoroughly
washed and then, after drying, the appropriate preparation is
applied ail over the body. This treatment is repeated on
the two following days and the patient Is inspected at weekly
intervals for some time in order to make sure that a cure has
been effected. Disinfection of clothing and bedding is also
carried out.
I am very glad to say that nearly all the treatment has
been done by the personnel at the First Aid Posts.
VERMINOUS HEADS.
There has been an unwelcome increase in the number of
verminous heads which have come to the notice of the
Department. Apart from children, this condition has been
found mostly in young women. Some have been referred to us
by Hairdressers and others by Factory Welfare Officers. All
the Hairdressers have been visited by a Sanitary Inspector
and a leaflet dealing with the subject has been sent to all
the factories in the Borough.