A SUMMER MENACE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 296, 15 December 1936, Page 2

A SUMMER MENACE

GUARD AGAINST FLIES Flies are very prevalent in many parts in early summer, and are the direct cause of the spread of many infectious diseases. They breed in dirt and decomposing animal and vegetable matter, and carry the germs from this source on their feet and proboscis. During their life they visit many infected places and pick up a new cargo of germs at each, conveying these germs to human beings. In hot weather they have a special liking for the human face when one is perspiring, and seem to be attracted to the eyes. They leave their germs on the skin, and these are transferred to the hands and later to the mouth. It is surprising how many times me average person touches his mouth and nose with his hands. The germs of infectious diseases of the eyes and of gastrointestinal infections in babies are conveyed by this direct route, ihe indirect route is by the contamination of food substances. Typhoid fever and many other infectious diseases have been shown to be conveyed to food by flies, and typhoid germs have actually been found on the flies themselves. Gastroenteritis of babies is largely conveyed by allowing flies access to milk and other foods. It is of the utmost importance that food substances of all kinds be protected from flies, and that every attempt be made to prevent their breeding. The first of these requires constant vigilance. Flyproof doors and windows, well-constructed safes, covers for milk jugs, etc., are all important parts of our defences. Babies sleeping in the day time should be protected by mosquito nets. Too frequently one sees young children sleeping with flies crawling on the face, and food is too often stored with inadequate protection. The killing of flies at their breeding places is more a matter for municipal authorities than for the individual, as flies fiy a long way from their breeding grounds. But every individual can help in the prevention of breeding by never allowing rubbish to collect nor stale food to lie about. Flies can breed in any animal or vegetable substance that is dead and decomposing, and consequently scrupulous cleanliness of houses, yards, and