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14
I am constantly being consulted by school teachers on
matters of hygiene and doubtful infectious cases, with the
result that all suspicious cases are excluded for observation
and treatment by their own doctors.
This method, together with the regular disinfection of
the school buildings every vacation, has helped to check
outbreaks of disease.
A school nurse is working in the schools, and great
benefit has already resulted. She has proved a very real help
in checking and controlling illness among the children.
DIPHTHERIA.
Most of the cases notified have been of a very mild
character. Extensive use of microscopic examination of all
doubtful throats is made by the local medical practitioners.
The result is that cases presenting little clinical evidence are
detected and isolated, and thus many cases are notified that
otherwise would escape. Spread of infection is thereby
checked, and antitoxin treatment employed early.
MORTALITY STATISTICS.
Of the 102 deaths, ten occurred under 1 year, four
between 1 and 2 years, three between 2 and 5 years, two
between 5 and 15 years, four between 15 and 25 years, fourteen
between 25 and 45 years, twenty-four between 45 and 65
years, and forty-one over 65 years.
Phthisis.—There have been 7 deaths from this disease,
as compared with 10 in 1913. The sanatorium benefit of the
National Insurance Act has not been in existence sufficiently
long to influence the mortality of this disease.
Cancer.—This disease was responsible for 12 deaths, as
compared with 13 in the preceding year.
The obscure nature of this disease renders definite preventive
measures impossible.
Bronchitis, Pneumonia, &c.—There were 18 deaths
from all diseases of respiratory organs.
Heart Disease was responsible for 6 deaths, and Senile
Decay for 15.