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(h) Ear Disease and Hearing.
0.1 per cent. of the children examined were found to be
suffering from otitis media (0.2 per cent, in 1932.) The percentage
of deaf children was 0.4, the corresponding- number for last
year being 0.3.
(i) Dental Defects.
(See Report of Dental Surgeon on p. 153.)
(j) Crippling Defects.
Reference to Table III on page 158 will furnish information
with regard to the occurrence of crippling defects in the area.
67 cases were discovered at routine medical inspection during the
year.
6. INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
The methods adopted for the detection and prevention of infectious
disease in schools are generally known. It is necessary,
however, to stress the importance of the early recognition of such
illness, both as regards the spread of infection to other scholars,
and also the detrimental effect upon the sufferer. This is particularly
necessary in such an illness as Diphtheria, in which delay
in treatment may have disastrous results.
Scarlet Fever has been somewhat prevalent, attacking both
parents and children.
The importance of early and adequate treatment in this illness
plays a great part in the prevention of complications, which is
the precursor of chronic ear disease, glandular and heart disease.
Measles was somewhat widespread during the latter part of
the year, but no deaths resulted, unlike that experienced in many
of the metropolitan areas. Some of the more serious cases were
admitted to the Isolation Hospital for treatment.
There were no contacts of cases of Small Pox amongst school
children, and the incidence of the disease has been negligible.
The statistics relating to protective immunization against
Diphtheria are included in my report as Medical Officer of Health.