C.S.M. CARRIERS IN CAMPS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 263, 26 July 1918, Page 6

C.S.M. CARRIERS IN CAMPS

Sir,—Having liad some considerable experience in the treatment of to-called, "carriers" of the meningococcus in the naso-pharynx, I. naturally take some interest in iho returns, published from the mililary camps, regarding the men under observation, 1 heard that in conscqnencn of a ease of c.s.m. appearing at Feathorston Camp, certain contacts were immediately isolated for treatment, a swab having first been taken from their throats for bacteriological examination. Amongst these contacts was a dental ol'icer. However, I have to-day seen this officer walking about the streets of Wellington, and as it is impassible for him. to have been declared free of infection, in the short time which has elapsed since his isolation, I shall be glad to know if the position this officer holds is such\ that he is allowed to set at naught the regulations imposed oil lesser beings,, and to render -himself an undoubted menace, not only to his own family, but to the general public of Wellington,. Perhaps, as the Defence Department are apparently not interested, the Public Health Department will bo willing to make a move. An epidemic of c.s.m. is not to be welcomed among6t the civilian population of 'Wellington.—l am, etc.,

MENINGOCOCCUS. [The Director-General of Medical Services states that the dental officer referred to by the correspondent was clear of infection before he left quarantine. Sur-geon-General Henderson considers that the fears suggested as tq the length or time the mimngococci can remain in. the throat under the treatment now available in the camps are quite unfounded. Strict precautions are taken to prevent tlfe spread of infection, and their success is shown by the very small percentage of sickness in the camps.]