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101
INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
On examining the table on page 107 it will be seen
that the total amount of infectious disease in the schools
was only slightly greater than in the previous year. The
great increase in cases of Measles and Chicken Pox has been
counter-balanced by the diminished number of cases of
Mumps and Whooping Cough.
SCARLET FEVER.
152 cases of Scarlet Fever were reported in school children.
The type of the disease prevalent continues to be a
mild one, and this leads to great difficulties in many cases.
Not uncommonly the disease is present in so slight a form
that the doctor called in hesitates as to the diagnosis. In the
large majority of cases notified no source of infection from
another case could be detected. One cannot but suppose
that some of the numerous sore throats to which children are
liable are scarlatinal in origin and escape diagnosis owing to
the absence of any rash. Of the individual schools, South
Park was notably affected, 29 cases being notified. Many
visits were paid to this school, and suspicious cases of illness
excluded. An appreciable number of cases of the disease
were found to follow on a visit to a cinematograph theatre.
It is certainly wrong that a child who is absent from school
owing to a sore throat or else owing to its having been in
contact with a case of infectious disease should be allowed
to go to a cinematograph theatre. Nothing oan, however,
be done in this matter except by action of the licensing
authorities or by special legislation.
16 cases of Scarlet Fever were diagnosed and notified by
the School Medical Officer.