CLINOCORIS 



Smell. — The peculiar odour is due to the secretion of sac-like 

 glands situated at the base of the abdomen, and opening on each 

 side of the metasternum. The secretion is a clear, oily, volatile 

 liquid, which is supposed to be protective in function. 



Pathogenicity. — It is quite possible that they spread Spiroschau- 

 dinnia recurrentis, the cause of Obermeyer's relapsing fever. The 

 effects of their venom have already been described. 



Prophylaxis. — Bugs are by no means without their enemies, of 

 which the most marked is the common red house-ant (Monomorium 

 pharaonis), while another enemy is the common cockroach; but, 

 despite these foes, bugs are extremely common in tropical hospitals. 



Signoret: Male. (X io.) Signoret: Female. (X io.) 



The first step in prophylaxis is, of course, strict cleanliness, and the 

 use of painted iron bedsteads which can be easily taken to pieces 

 and washed. Another good means is to make use of mattresses 

 and pillows covered with Willesden canvas, which can easily be 

 washed. The mattress should be in sections, and not all in one 

 piece, as otherwise it is difficult to manipulate. The most useful 

 substances for killing bugs are acetic acid, camphor, and carbolic 

 acid. Acetic acid poured into the joints of a bedstead is said to kill 

 the bugs rapidly. Kerosene is often used, but does not appear to 

 be very effective. Pyrethrum is also used. Apart from bedsteads, 

 the whole room may be infected, in which xase fumigation with 

 sulphur is~ quite the best remedy, 4 ounces being burnt for each 

 1,000 cubic feet of space, and the room left closed for four or five 

 hours, in order that the'gas^may act thoroughly. 



