SPREAD OF TYPHOID

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 124, 12 October 1912, Page 2 (Supplement)

SPREAD OF TYPHOID

The theory that typhoid may be spread by infected Hies dropping into boiled or unboiled milk, puddings, etc., is accepted by the Now South Wales Government Bureau of Microbiology. An experiment is cited where flies were brought into contact with typhoid matter and transferred the germs elsewhere. ''Supposing," adds Dr, Tidswell, in his annual report, "that the fly were to drop into boiled milk or a boiled pudding set to cool on a summer day, the foodstuff would be swarming with the organisms in a very short time; certainly, if infection occurred at lunch time, in time to provide an enormous dose in the cold collation or milk for the evening meal." The interesting point is raised that one may run greater risks from boiling milk than accepting it as the vendor delivers it, teeming with niicrobic life. The doetor remarks: "It is an interesting result of thought along these lines that one is led to feel that in pasteurised, boiled, chilled or peroxidised milk lies a source of danger possibly greater in certain circumstances than'in the untreated germladen milk as it is ordinarily dealt to us. These remarks are given with all humility, and with a feeling that wider knowledge may let a different light on this subject; but they are, nevertheless. I think, worth bearing in mind by the ultra-enthusiast, who sees nought but good possible in boiling, pashierising or otherwise germ-freeing our food."