SUSPECTED CASES OF LOCK-JAW

Hokitika Guardian, 12 March 1930, Page 8

SUSPECTED CASES OF LOCK-JAW

DANGER IN STAGNANT POOLS

AUCKLAND, March 15.

During the past few weeks four suspected cases of tentanus (lock-jaw) have been reported from Mount Albert district. In each case it was a child who was effected, and prompt treatment has averted the danger to lire.

The children were paddling in a stagnant pool of water in the Morningside reserve . and they sustained minor scratches on the feet, little importance being attached to the injury. In each case the.child was treated at the hospital by inoculation of antitetanic serum, and the progress of the malady was arrested. The Mount Albert Borough Council took prompt measures to deal with the source of the infection when once it nad been identified, the pool being fined in and the, ground disinfected. There is now no danger of infection. Dr Hughes, Medical Officer of Health, to-day explained that it was possible for the germ of tentanus to remain in a particular area of ground for a- number of years. The germ was generally found in ground which had been occupied for. a considerable period of time, by horses, or where street sweepings and other garbage had been dumped. Dr. Hughes emphasised the necessity for prompt first aid treatment by parents even in case of apparently insignificant injuries. The application of a mild solution of tincture of iodine was nearly always sufficient for a scratch or wound.

During the past 12 months only eight cases had been reported in Auckland, said Dr. Hughes, and only one of them was from Morningside.