Gargling for diphtheria
Dr Faris (district medical officer) has written to the Education Board suggesting that, in view of the number of cases of diphtheria and influenza at present in Otago, the following
prophylactic measures be carried out:— At all schools the children to be lined up twice daily (preferably at the commencement of study in the morning and before being dismissed in the afternoon), and made to gargle the throat. Each child would be required to furnish a mug or cup, the gargle being kept in large quantities at each school. As these diseases are spread by children coughing and breathing over each other, the preliminary gargle before taking up study would disinfect the throat for a variable period afterwards, and thus lessen the spread of infection whilst the children were indoors. As potassium permanganate is not procurable in sufficient quantities just now, Dr Faris advises that Hycol be substituted at a strength of four drops to one pint of water, teachers to be enjoined to be careful in making up the gargle. The Education Board has addressed the school committees and headmasters, recommending that the arrangements suggested be carried out. — ODT, 6.11.1918.