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14
The Tuberculosis Care Committee continued their meetings and in various
ways rendered valuable assistance to the needy tuberculous and their families.
Laboratory Facilities. The bateriological work of the Council is carried out
at the Memorial Hospital. In addition to the investigations made for the tuberculosis
service, 400 throat and nasal swabs, 45 specimens of faeces, and 2 specimens
of food were examined for diagnostic purposes.
Disinfection and Disinfestation. The number of rooms disinfected after
cases of infectious disease was 358, of which 81 had been occupied by tuberculous
persons. 811 rooms were disinfested on account of the presence of vermin. 70,963
articles were treated at the disinfecting station. Personal cleansing was continued
at the temporary cleansing station at the Turkish Baths, Plumstead, and at the
cleansing section of the Eltham Hill Health Centre.
Although the number of cases of scabies notified (390) did not necessarily reflect
the true state of affairs, it is gratifying to record that the actual number of cases and
contacts treated, fell from 3,759 in 1943 to 2,536 in 1944. There was, however, a
slight increase in the number of treatments for verminous conditions.
The number of persons treated, including scabies contacts, and the number
of treatments given at the cleansing stations, were as follows :—
Persons. Treatments.
Pre-school children—Vermin 276 276
Scabies. 413 804
Schoolchildren— Vermin 1,843 1,853
Scabies 797 1,978
Adults— Vermi 188 188
Scabies 1,326 2,668
Totals .. 4,843 7,767
Regular Scabies Clinic sessions were held, and attended by the Council's
Consultant, who continued to supervise the scheme.