DYSENTERY OUTBREAK.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 37, 13 February 1929, Page 9

DYSENTERY OUTBREAK.

SEVERAL DEATHS REPORTED.

PRECAUTIONS BEING TAKEN.

CASES COVER A LAROE AREA

Seven deaths have occurred in Auckland during the Inst few days from dysentery, and. although not viewing the outbreak with alarm, medical autho-

l ities are taking every precaution. Two of the deaths were those of little -fills from one family, and there were four Maoris. The girls came from the vicinity of Purewa, the Maoris from Orakei. and the other patient from Panmure. There are several cases in the hospital as well as those under other medical supervision.

It was at first thought that the symptoms might have been typhoid, but bacteriological investigations have definitely proved that such was not the case. On making inquiries this morning at the district health office, a "Star" representative was informed that investigations were stiil being made and all precautions were being taken to prevent the disease spreading , . It was learned that the cases reported covered a large area, the most recent coming from Takapuna this morning. Medical authorities, on being interviewed, stated that it was proving increasingly dillicult to isolate the germ, ami in tlie initial stages the cases were extremely difficult to diagnose. When the outbreak occurred amongst the Maoris the natives had a theory that it might have been attributable to eating fish which had been caught at the outfall of the Orakei sewer. Full investigations vvere made, however, and the theory was disproved. It was then thought the disease had originated from eating shellfish, and this, too, was disproved. Nevertheless, dysentery has, according to doctors who haVe dealt with cases, been fairly prevalent amongst the Maoris at Orakei and Panmure. Germs Carried by Flies and Dust. Medical authorities were emphatic in their opinion that the advent of the disease did not depend upon the food people ate. It was the concerted opinion that dysentery germs were carried by flies as well as dust from open rubbish dumps and decaying matter. It had been proved beyond doubt that the bacilli of dysentery had been carried by dust, and it was discovered that one of the children who had died had eaten blackberries from the roadside.

It was suggested that it would be a very wise thing to wash, wipe or peal all fruit before it is eaten, particularly at this time of the year. Immediately flie slightest symptom is seen, the first precaution' medical authorities state, is to give a good dose of oil. Then immediately call in a doctor. Hospital is the only place for treatment. There is no cure in the ordinary way. It is only by constant attention, nursing and care that the disease can be eombatted.

The real trouble at the outset is toxin, or self-poisoning of the system, and then follows acute hemorrhage very soon afterwards. As the majority of* deaths have occurred among young children, although adults, too, have been affected, "lose no time in calling in a doctor " is recommended as the best slogan. Summer Sickness a Myth. At first, when the symptoms occurred about two weeks ago, the impression was that it was "summer sickness." Medical authorities state that there is no such thing. It is a term used by people when no definite diagnosis is made. The symptoms of diarrhoea and dysentery are very often of a most contagious character and in the present outbreak this is very marked. In New Zealand the word dysentery is frequently used for simple diarrhoea, when there' is no sign of hemorrhage. It was pointed out by medical men this morning that there must be hemorrhage to have rea' .lysen tery. Simple diarrhoea is without "pain but it is not so with the dysentery which is prevalent in Auckland just now' As stated previously the health authorities have been most active since the first notification was received within the last two weeks. Then the weath-r conditions were warm. A cool pp,.|J : ntor . vened and there appeared to be a slackening off of the disease. During the last few days, however, the weatherhas been hot and this, it is said, has been in a measure responsible for a recurrencethat and dust and flies.