BRUSH OF DEATH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22202, 31 August 1935, Page 2 (Supplement)

BRUSH OF DEATH

INFECTED WITH ANTHRAX A dramatic story of a three-year search for a shaving-brush which carried death in its bristles was unfolded at the Camberwell inquest on John Banks, aged 50, boot repairer, of Lon-

don, who squeezed a pimple on his face after shaving, became ill, and died. Dr. A. G. Thompson, Medical Officer of Health for the borough, told how 12 brushes, apparently imported, were found to bo infected with anthrax. His suspicions were aroused by a death from anthrax at Stepney. He seized 11 of tho brushes, but the remaining one bad been sold. Every one of the 11 brushes was found to contain anthrax bacilli. Then began a hunt for the missing brush. The Ministry of Health issued a warning, and Dr. Thompson issued warnings to hospitals and newspapers. The widow explained that her husband had bought the shaving-brush two years ago, and had used it constantly. Recording a verdict of "Accidental death," the coroner observed that the only satisfactory feature about the case was the vigilance exercised by the health authorities.