No abstract

572which followed prophylactic yellow fever vaccination 12 proved unequivocally the hazards of serum inoculations. The most bizarre dissemination of hepatitis is that of the Swedish cross-country runners, who are believed to have contracted their infections through abrasions from blood-contaminated twigs.13The medicolegal implications of this disease are illustrated by an Italian physician in Varese x4 who was in the habit of giving intravenous injections and whose equipment was thought to be contaminated with the virus. To his office were traced 100 instances of serum hepatitis, with 12 deaths. He was sentenced to serve five years in prison, to discontinue practice for two additional 'years, and to compensate the families of the victims.It is worth while being reminded of simple precautions in office practice which guard against dissemination of the virus from patient to patient: l. Scrupulous technic with complete sterilization of all re-used equipment is absolutely essential. Do not use the same needle, syringe or tubing from patient to patient without thorough sterilization between injections. 2. Disposable equipment for parenteral injections of any kind is certainly most preferable. Disposable stylets are mandatory for technicians doing blood counts.3. The conmon neurologic examining pin as an instrument which pricks the skin is not beyond suspicion, and should be replaced by disposable needles.