TUBERCULOSIS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 August 1926, Page 4

TUBERCULOSIS.

TESTS ATJOXG SCHOOL CHILD HEX WELLINGTON, Aug. 19. For the prevention ot tuberculosis, a Divißu.ii of the School of Hygiene is new making experiments on pupils in the .schools in New Zealand for signs of tuberculosis. Tests will ,be applied only to those pupils whose parents give written consent, and will commence when the new school term

begins. The test is one which has been , thoroughly tried out by prominent | specialists on tuberculosis in all parts of the world, and has the highest commendation of I>r CL J. Blnekmore, of the Cashmere Hills Sanatorium, an eminent Now Zealand authority. Early in July, notice was sent - to the parents of the children in three schools in Wellington asking for permission to try a simple test for tuberculosis tendency on children. This test consists of rubbing into the skin of the child a small amount of tuberculin ointment, 'flic tost is puinless,

and, as a- general rule, gives little or uo inconvenience. From tho effect produced, information is obtained as to whether the child is free from tuberculosis or otherwise, and an indication is given as to whether immediate steps should he taken to safeguard the child’s health.

Many parents consented, the percentages varying from 50 to 75 per cent. Approximately 10 per cent, of the children in the schools suffer from sillinormal nutrition. This does not mean that they have inadequate food supply, but that they do not attain a maximum of physical well being. Causes of this failure are various, but it is known that a good proportion of them have latent tuberculosis. This fact would be alarming if it was not known that early recognition of the disease and prompt treatment will result in the arresting of the disease. This is the object of the investigation which is shortly to he carried out in the New Zealand schools. Tho small attendances during the present term have led to r decision to postpone the investigation until the next- term. Tho three schools in Wellington will provide pupils for the first tests.

Every care lias been taken to ensure that the parents fully understand the meaning of these tests. In each case a meeting of the parents has.been called, and the proposals thoroughly explained to them. The scheme is being carried out by Dr Ada Paterson. Director of the Division of School Hygiene, and Dr M. Champtaloup, School Medical Officer, with the co-operation of Drs McDonald Wilson, Superintendent of the Wellington Hospital, and G. J. Blackmore, of the Cashmere Sanatorium.