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124
INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
On examining the table on the opposite page, it will be
seen that there has been a marked increase in the total
amount of infectious disease as compared with the previous
year, the greatest increase being with regard to Measles,
Scarlet Fever, and Diphtheria. As I am of the same opinion
as last year, I cannot do better than reproduce what I stated
then, as it still holds good. "A great deal depends on the head
teacher with regard to limiting the spread of any outbreak
that may occur, but intercommunication, both within and
without the school, is so free that it is beyond the care of
any teacher to prevent the introduction of infective
material into the school. When that occurs one of the most
important factors is the amount of inflammable material in
that school. For instance, if the infection of Measles is
imported into a school where the bulk of the children have
not had Measles before, there will probably be a rapid
extension of the disease. Whereas, if it is introduced into
a school where the bulk of the children have previously
suffered, little or no result will probably follow. All these
factors have to be taken into account in considering the
question. At the same time the more effective supervision
that can be exercised, the less extension of disease will there
be, which means a diminished death rate and an improved
attendance rate. As an investment, I believe it would pay
the Education Authority to employ a Health Visitor to do
nothing but follow up cases of infectious or suspected
infectious disease and to give advice to the parents as to
isolation, etc. Take the case of measles and whooping
cough last year, which were responsible for 23 deaths.
Probably half those were due to the fact of insufficient care
being taken with the first infective case as regards isolation
and intercourse with the younger members of the family.
Scarlet Fever again is more prevalent than it should be.
Every case should be followed up at school and all possible
contacts examined. Under present circumstances this is
impossible, but I hope more may be done in the future with
more skilled assistance."