Report on venereal diseases / Medical Advisory Committee (Scotland).

Date:
1944
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report on venereal diseases / Medical Advisory Committee (Scotland). Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    12. We have already noted that the official returns do not represent the total number of infected persons in the country and there is evidence pointing to the fact that, although they probably constitute a small percentage of the population, _ a considerable number have venereal disease without being aware of it. We are of opinion that routine tests on a large scale would bring to light a sensible amount of syphilitic infection hitherto undetected which, if treated, would reduce morbidity and lessen infant mortality. , _ 18. The situation during the war period 1939-1942, stated in round numbers, may be summarised thus :— | 1939 1940 1941 1942 Total Syphilis, new cases , «. 1,000 1,400 2,700 3,700 8,800 -. Gonorrhea, new cases . . 4,000 4,500 6,000 - 6,000 20,500 _ Non-specific venerealinfections: 2,800 2,700 3,200 2,600 11,300° Patients with no venereal ’ disease. P : . 4,000 3,800 4,500 5,000 . 17,300 57,900 ~~ In other words, over the past four years at least 58,000 persons in Scotland were admittedly exposed to the risk of acquiring infection and 29,000 con- tracted a major venereal disease. _ During 1942 alone, we estimate that on an average in Scotland on every day of the year 10 persons contracted syphilis and at least 16 contracted gonorrhea. 14. The increase is more marked in the seaports and large towns and there is little evidence that there is any considerable increase in the country areas ; - in fact, in some burghs there is a slight diminution in the number of cases of gonorrhea. The data suggest that an appreciable part of the national increase is due to a temporary influx of cases among Service personnel and seamen ; _ in one seaport, for example, the number of cases of syphilis in 1942 was 11 times - the pre-war figure but, after deduction of the maritime and Service cases, the number was but slightly above the pre-war average. 15. It would appear therefore that the increase in venereal diseases is an effect of wartime conditions and that a decline will occur in all probability when nor- - mal conditions-return but we are of opinion, nevertheless, that the situation is sufficiently serious to warrant swift and energetic action by the authorities. EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY 16. To eradicate venereal diseases completely from civilised communities will require international co-operation and a high standard of enlightened - citizenship, but there is no reason why they should not cease to be a scourge in our own country within a very short time if a concerted and persistent effort ismade. The precise etiology and methods of spread of these diseases is known ; they can be accurately diagnosed and effectively treated, but no campaign against venereal diseases will avail without the moral sanction and active co-operation of the general public. 17. Until recently, however, a lack of plain speaking and an unwillingness to face the facts fostered an attitude of public inaction. It was assumed that * public opinion would not support a campaign against venereal diseases and we
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