CHECKING SPREAD

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 65, 26 December 1936, Page 5

CHECKING SPREAD

ADVICE BY DEPARTMENT. INFORMATION FOR PARENTS. PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE. The following statement regarding infantile paralysis have been issued bj the Health Department:— Infantile paralysis or poliomyelitis as it is technically called is a germ disease. It occurs most often in the summer months and mostly among children. There is much evidence to support the opinion' that the disease both in its mild and in its severe form is directly transmissable from person to person. In addition, healthy cairiers, persons who have been in contact with a case, or another carrier, can carry the virus in the mucus membrane of their, nose and throats without any symptoms. These carriers, even if the infection they carry comes from a mild case, may produce an attack of severe ytpe if they chance to convey the infection to a sufficiently susceptible person. Early Treatment Imperative. Infantile paralysis in the beginning often resembles other diseases of childhood, so no matter how mild the sickness may seem get a doctor’s advice. A child that is perfectly well becomes restless and drowsy. He is irritable and feverish and does not want to be moved. There may be headaches or pains in the muscles, a transient flushing of the face aba-normal sweating or retention of urine. The initial illness may be apparently slight and trivial its true nature being evidenced by the onset of paralysis a few days after. Therefore, it is necessary to be on one’s guard so that the doctor may bo called in before the disease has reached the paralytic stage. Keep all other children away from a child suspected to be suffering from infection.

Precautions. As a precautionary measure keep your children away from crow T ds. It is good for them to be out of doors, but large gatherings of people especially inside should be avoided* Do not let children become over-fatigued, do not allow them to play long periods in hot sunshine, and be careful to keep the head and back of the neck well protected by a shady hat. See that they have plenty of sleep in well ventilated bedrooms and that their diet is simple. Be sure that the children’s bowels are regular. Younger children should have a nap after lunch. The use of common property—towels, handkerchiefs, toothbrushes, etc., should be avoided and promiscuous kissing of children should be banned. Make children wash their hands and face before eating. Keep your house as clean as you can. Fresh air and sunlight are Nature’s best destroyers of germs. It behoves all who come in contact w;ith a case of infantile paralysis to strictly carry out all instructions of the medical attendant and health authorities as to isolation and precautionary measures to bp observed. No personal precaution can be too great to prevent, the spread to others.