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from encouraging. The percentage of children found to be in
need of dental treatment is 61.7%, and this matter requires the
closest attention if the health of the children is to be maintained
at the highest possible level.
(j) Crippling Defects.
Reference to Table III will furnish information with regard
to the occurrence of crippling defects in the area. Forty-six
cases were discovered at routine medical inspection during the
year.
6. INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
There was a marked diminution in the number of cases of
Diphtheria.
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. Two hundred and forty-nine swabs were
taken for this purpose, all of which proved negative.
(b) In suspicious cases seen at the Clinics or Schools, two
hundred swabs were taken, and two proved to be positive.
(c) In cases where an undetected source of infection appears
to be present in a class or school, thirteen swabs were
taken and none proved to be positive.
The statistics and comments relating to protective immunization
against Diphtheria are included in my report as Medical Officer
of Health. The attendance at the Immunization Clinics is fairly
well maintained, and there is no doubt that the scheme of propaganda
which has been introduced will lead to a marked increase
in the number of applicants for this form of treatment.
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 furnishes statistics
in regard to the incidence of the acute infectious diseases during
the year 1936.