SERIOUS FEATURES.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 242, 12 October 1929, Page 10

SERIOUS FEATURES.

OUTBREAK OF TYPHOID. ORIGIN NOT ASCERTAINED. OYSTERS BEING ANALYSED. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, this day. "Never in my experience have there been so many cases of typhoid fever in Christchurch Hospital," .said Dr. Pearson, pathologist at the hospital, this morning. "I cannot remember more than three at the same time before; At present there are six definite cases." Dr. Pearson explained that the outbreak presented serious features. "Previously, when two or three cases have come in, they have generally originated in some country district, and have originated from contact witli a first case. The cases at present appear to have no relation at all, and have arisen independently." Pathologists to-day began an analysis of the oysters, which it has been suggested caused the outbreak- of typhoid, but there will be no definite pronouncement available for five days. Dr. Pearson is of the opinion that if the infection has arisen from oysters it is highly improbable that all oyster beds are infected, but perhaps one bed may have been tainted. "We may get nothing from our search," said Dr. Pearson. "We are testing the oysters merely because that class of food is frequently the cause of disease in other countries. The disease has ' such a wide range of symptoms that it is % very difficult one to be suspicious of."