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147
(h) Ear Disease and Hearing.
0.2 per cent. of the children examined were found to be
suffering from otitis media. (0.3 per cent. in 1931). The percentage
of deaf children was 0.3, the corresponding number for last
year being 0.5.
(i) Dental Defects.
(See Report of Dental Surgeon on p. 173.)
(j) Crippling Defects.
Reference to Table III on page 178 will furnish information
with regard to the occurrence of crippling defects in the area.
58 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 1932. Scarlet Fever and Measles show an increased
incidence but that of Diphtheria continued to be low although the
disease was very virulent in type.
The bacteriological examination of swabs 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. 189 swabs were taken for this purpose,
and the fact that two of these proved to be positive shows
the great importance of this procedure.
(b) In suspicious cases seen at the Clinics or Schools, 146
swabs were taken and 3 proved to be positive.
(c) In cases where an undetected source of infection appears
to be present in a class or school. 11 swabs were taken
and none proved to be positive.