H—3l

3. Bacteriological Status of Registered Cases, All Forms, Both Races, by Years, at 31st December

The number of cases with " positive sputum " is less than 1946 and the number with " negative sputum " or " no discharge available for testing " has correspondingly increased. The number of cases which still have to be investigated is also less, but it is still far too high. This table indicates that more efficient control is being exercised and suggests that thereby the dangerous pool of infection is gradually becoming limited. District Nurses Altogether, 8,101 out-patients and 23,104 contacts are now being supervised by 221 District Nurses employed by the Department or by Hospital Boards. These nurses have been responsible for finding 314 new cases of tuberculosis during the year. Mass Radiography The Medical Director of the Taranaki mobile miniature x-ray unit reports that this unit during Ist May, 1947, to 31st March, 1948, made 11,487 examinations of 9,028 Europeans and 2,459 Maoris. One thousand of these examinations were in the Wanganui area. There was a poor response in the attempted resurvey of the Maoris, only 652 offering to repeat the examination made in the previous year. Of the total Maoris examined in the eleven-month period, 86 persons (1-5 per cent.) were found to have a definite pulmonary lesion and 35 persons were found to have questionable lesions. A total of 86 (3*l per cent.) were therefore recalled for large-film examination and, referred to chest clinics. Of the total of Europeans examined, 4-5 per cent, were recalled for large-film examination. The Division is hoping to extend mass radiography by establishing a miniature radiography training unit in Wellington under the Department of Health. At this unit it is hoped to' train sufficient staff to operate similar units which the Government has approved should be set up under groups of Hospital Boards in other parts of the country. Tuberculosis Research The Tuberculosis Committee of the Medical Research Council held one meeting during the year to receive a report on the investigations made overseas by the Director during his visit in 1947. Consideration is being given to investigating the possibilities of introducing B.C.Gr. vaccine immunization into New Zealand as a prophylactic measure against tuberculosis for those persons who desire to submit to inoculation. In response to a recommendation of the Research Committee, Dr. J. M. Wogan was appointed to the Department on a part-time basis as Tuberculosis Research Officer. He is investigating the incidence of tuberculosis in the nursing staff of New Zealand hospitals.

43

Year. Tubercle Bacilli in Sputum or Discharge. No Sputum or Not Investigated. Total. T.B.+ T.B.Discharge. 1944 1945 1946 1947 708 1,045 1,306 1,227 1.323 1,504 2.324 2,371 3,099 4,405 4,731 4,729 3,429 1,581 1,492 7,731 9,077 9,617 9,821