HOOKWORM.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16662, 18 February 1922, Page 16

HOOKWORM.

; PREVALENCE IN AUSTRALIA Reports received bj- tile Federal I>cpartment of Health in connection with the survey being conducted to ascertain the extent of the prevalence of hookworm in Australia show that very satisfactory progress is being made, and the survey will probably be completed within the next lew months. The investigation is being carried out by the Federal health authorities in co-opera-tion with the International Health Board and the Health- Departments of the various States. The principal centres of the investigation are on the north-west portions of W estern Australia. portions of Queensland, and the coastal areas of northern Xow South Wales, where the disease has been known to exist for some time past. Infection is acquired in a simple manner, one of the most potent factors aiding its development being the absence of proper sanitary arrangements. The cure, however, is equally simple, those suffering from the complaint being completely freed from infection within a day or two after treatment. The prevalence of the disease among children is characterised by a stunted growth and incomplete development of the mental faculties, while among adults it invariably tends to restrict phyiscal powers. Dr Elkington, Acting Federal Director of Health, remarked that hookworm was common to most countries, but that an endeavour was being made to bring it- to an irreducible minimum in the Commonwealth. It was frequently found in mining centres, but investigation had proved that it was practically non-existent, in Bendigo and Broken Hill. Experience bad shown that the disease made but little headway in centres where water was highly mineralised. and ho presumed this was the explanation of the freedom from infection in tho mining districts mentioned. When tho survey is completed the Federal Department of Health will establish clinics in several centres, from which a. campaign against the disease will b»? directed. I>r Elkington remarked that when it was first reported that hookworm had been discovered in Queensland, Canada, among other countries, “ plastered Australia as being a land riddled by tropical disease. Hookworm was prevalent- in most countries, -however, although the fact that it could be roped with in a simple manner under a proper system of organisation, was a reflection on those countries which permitted its continuance. In Australia the Department. had taken the subject thoroughly in hand, and it was hoped that the result of its endeavours would he shown in the early wiping out of the disease from its present- centres of infection.