INFLUENZA.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 152, 29 June 1926, Page 11

INFLUENZA.

MILS TYPE PREVALENT. NOT MUCH SERIOUS DISEASE. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") WELLINGTON, this day. A reassuring statement on the influenza position was made to your correspondent by the Hon. J. A, Young, Minister of Health, who showed that, while the mild type is very prevalent, the pneumonic phase is not serious; in fact, the position this season is not as bad as in 1923, when a recurrence of the 1918 epidemic was feared in some quarters. The Minister gave the total weekly notifications of influenza since May 31 throughout the Dominion. They numbered 13, with one death in three weeks ended June 21, and 23, with two deaths, in the week ended June 28, distributed amongst the various health districts: South Auckland, four cases, no deaths; Taranaki, Horowhenua, four cases, no deaths; Wairarapa, East Coast, one case, no deaths; Central Wellington, eight cases, one death; Canterbury, six cases, one death; total cases 23, deaths two.

In regard to the prevalence of influenza in schools, the secretary of the Wellington Education Board states that, whilst there is a certain amount of influenza, he has heard of nothing which would justify any cause for alarm or active measures, such as the closing of schools.

The Minister added: "I would remind you that since 1918 we haw had in almost every alternate year recrudescence of influenza of a comparatively mild type. There is no reason' to believe that a more serious type of influenza is prevalent this year than has been experienced in the last few winters. Some time ago we communicated with Australia, and were advised by responsible medical officers of that country that they were experiencing their usual seasonal outbreak, although unofficial reports received here indicated a somewhat alarming outbreak. I am of the opinion that the position will be met at present by keeping a very close watch on our returns, and by emphasising to the public the need of their seeking bed on the first manifestation of the disease, and staying there until their temperature has become normal for some three days. The public also should be advised to keep away from public gatherings. This is a precautionary measure which is within the reach of everybody."