A Tuberculose em São Paulo

Abstract

The A. A. study the epidemiological conditions in the State of São Paulo and especially in São Paulo city in regard to tuherculosis. Curves of the specific mortality rates are given for the State of São Paulo (1920-1935) and for São Paulo city (1920-1938). The curve of tuberculosis mortality in São Paulo city shows a definite upward tendency, the specific mortality rate in 1938 having been 137.24 per 100.000 in habitants. The A. A. study also the geographical distribution of deaths in the various São Paulo State counties; the actual State tuberculosis control measures are analysed and considered insufficient. The basis for anti-tuherculosis campaigns in this State is discussed, and the A. A. insist on the need of creating at the Public Health Department a central bureau to coordinate and direct all official and private efforts in accordance to a previously well considered plan. They consider basical elements for such a compaigns Dispensaries, Hospitais and a specialised technical personnel phthisiologists and visiting nurses). They believe that anti-tubereulosis Dispensaries should function as part of the already existing State Health Centers. The location of tuberculosis Hospitais should not depend on climatic conditions, but rather take into consideration the population, the percentage of deaths by tuherculosis, transportation facilities and actual resources as a medicai center. The preservation of children is helieved to depend principally on the measures taken for the control of tuberculosis among adults. The B. C. G. prophylaxis, under the unsatisfactory tuberculosis control organization existing at present in S. Paulo is considered as useless or even armful. The A. A. believe that the dispensary treatment of tuherculous children should he undertaken by the Dispensaries of the Health Centers, and that their hospitalization, whenever necessary, should he in a separate séction of tuberculosis Hospitais.