Abstract
THE final report on investigations on tuberculosis in Cyprus, conducted by Dr. N. D. Bardswell for the National Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis, has been issued (Tubercle, 20, 97, 105; 1939). An intensive study of the disease in the Larnaca district indicates that actually the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis is low, 140 cases in a population of 42,000, with an average death-rate of 0·69 per 1,000 population. There is little non-pulmonary, and no bovine, tuberculosis, and the disease in distribution is sporadic and largely familial. These figures fall far short of estimates by the Cyprus authorities prior to the National Association's mission. The Cypriot has a high resistance to the disease, which appears to be transmitted to an unusual degree from one individual to another. This is dependent upon the national habits; families almost invariably live and sleep in one room, and, in winter, houses are always completely closed at night. The standard of living of the people is low and poverty almost universal, though the nutrition of the people appears to be adequate. Tuberculosis in the Larnaca district and in Cyprus generally, though low in incidence and benign in type, is difficult to control owing to the general conditions existing in the island. The most effective measures would be the establishment of dispensaries in various parts of the island, and of a small sanatorium for education and treatment of the more favourable cases. A comprehensive tuberculosis scheme on these lines is in process of organization.
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Tuberculosis in Cyprus. Nature 144, 663 (1939). https://doi.org/10.1038/144663a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/144663a0