Hydatids

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29269, 29 July 1960, Page 3

Hydatids

Sir, —Dr. Douglas comments through your column that it is a remote possibility to- contract hydatids through newspapers. I know of one case a few years ago where the doctors attending suggested it was through this source that hydatids was contracted. If Dr. DoUglas visited suburban areas in the early morning he would observe the danger dogs can be in the spreading of hydatids by this channel. The doctor is well known for his handling of milk. It is a pity that the same action is not taken in the wrapping of bread, fish, and other foodstuffs. It is a simple matter referring to regulations, but why not enforce them? Has Dr. Douglas stopped to consider the number of usages of newspaper in the home, on shelves and tables when preparing lunches, etc? —Yours, etc., J.J.

July 26, 1960. [“My statement that it was a remote possibility to. contract hydatids from newspapers is my own personal opinion, and the doctor mentioned by the correspondent is entitled to his,” replies the Medical Officer of Health (Dr. A. Douglas). ’“The only real way to discover the realities of this situation would be to carry out a careful, microscopic examination of samples of newspapers picked up from outside houses in Christchurch. I agree that, ideally, all bread should be wrapped; in fact, wrapped bread is available now at little exfra cost. If a majority of the public were to insist on it, unwrapped bread would gradually disappear. Being a Scotsman, I ■ am well aware that the newspaper, once read, is very useful round the house, but it should be kept out of contact with food. The public themselves have the important duty to report any breaches of food regulations to the local authority health inspector, and, perhaps, better, to refuse to take bread that has been wrapoed with newspaper directly in contact with it In this way, they can be of great assistance to the inspectors.”]