CASE OF ANTHRAX

Wairarapa Daily Times, 25 June 1936, Page 6

CASE OF ANTHRAX

AT MASTERTON HOSPITAL.

INFECTION BY) SHAVING BRUSH.

It was reported* at yesterday’s meeting of the Wairarapa Hospital Board that there was a case of anthrax at the Masterton Hospital. Dr. Archer Hosking, the medical superintendent, reported it was the first case of anthrax that had ever been reported in the Wairarapa. The patient, a Martinborough man, became infected in the face by foreign matter in an imported shaving brush. In the past, Dr.; Hosking observed, anthrax patients had seldom recovered, but a new and potent serum was now available and by the use of this', supplies of which were rushed from Wellington, it had been possible to save the man’s life. The anthrax germ,. 'which had. entered through a tiny scratch on the man’s face, had been recovered from the wound and pathological examination had proved without doubt that it was a definite, case of anthrax. When he first became infected, the patient suspected that the shaving brush might be the source of infection and,- unfortunately, he burnt the brush. The brand and description of the particular type of brush, however, were well established. He was happy to say that the patient Svas now. convalescent.