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141
488. In addition there were 146 children in whom there was
evidence of a lesser degree of visual defect and these are being
kept under observation. (See report of Ophthalmic Surgeon on
p. 165).
(h) Ear Disease and Hearing.
0.3 per cent. of the children examined were found to be
suffering from otitis media. (0.3 per cent. in 1930). The percentage
of deaf children was 0.5, the corresponding number for last
year being 0.3.
(i) Dental Defects.
(See Report of Dental Surgeon on p. 166).
(j) Crippling Defects.
Reference to Table 111 on pages 173-5 will furnish information
with regard to the occurrence of crippling defects in the area.
60 cases were discovered at routine medical inspection during the
year.
6. INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
A detailed account of the scheme adopted for the detection
and prevention of infectious diseases has been submitted in previous
reports, and the accompanying table will furnish statistics
in regard to the incidence of the acute infectious diseases during
the year 1931. Except in the cases of Chicken Pox and Whooping
Cough, the incidence of the Acute Infectious Diseases exhibits a
marked decrease which is especially noticeable in regard to
Diphtheria and Measles.
The bacteriological examination of sw abs from the throats and
noses of school children is carried out:—
(a) Prior to the admission of children to Schools of Recovery,
Convalescent Homes, etc., in order to ensure freedom
from infection. 218 swabs were taken for this purpose,
and the fact that four of these proved to be positive shov s
the great importance of this procedure.