XN000022-1972-11-26 — Page 3

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Sunday, November 26, 1972

He stressed that treatment was completely free and most patients

could continue their regular working lives. Clinics operated day and

evening sessions.

In most cases a simple X-ray and examination was all that was

needed to set the treatment moving. If time off work was required,

help from government social services could be obtained.

He also stressed that the disease was contagious and was particularly

dangerous to other members of a family living in close quarters. It could

kill in under five years.

The spokesman said that although 12,000 people were being treated

here for TB at the end of last year there were still a great number of

people endangering their own lives, as well as their families and friends

by not seeking treatment.

Most sufferers were in the older age groups as there had been a

big step up in vaccinations for babies and school children, he said.

Even so last year 1,250 people died from TB in Hong Kong

compared with the 362 who died in road accidents.

Release time: 3.00 p.m.

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