INFECTIOUS DISEASES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 116, 19 May 1930, Page 10

INFECTIOUS DISEASES.

DIPHTHERIA AT POKENO. FOURTEEN CASES TO DATE. SCAELET FEVER AT PAPAKURA. Fourteen cases of diphtheria have been reported to the Auckland Health Office from Pokeno, and six of the cases have been taken to the Auckland Hospital. One came in this morning. Twelve children are affected and two adults. Four cases occurred in one family, three in two others, the remaining four being in different homes. The outbreak has been traced to a gathering of children held in the township prior to the school holidays. Officers of the Health Department are of the opinion that a child who had contracted diphtheria acted as a carrier. All the patients now suffering from the disease were at the function. A close watch is being kept by health officers for possible developments, and the fact that the school is closed for the holidays has made the situation comparatively easy to deal with. Fumigation has been carried out in several homes. The children from two schools are affected. The Health Department has decided to assemble the scholars on Monday morning, when Dr. Boyd, Medical Officed of Health for the South Auckland district, will be in attendance. Swabs will be taken, and then the schools will be closed again till Wednesday to'sce the result of the swabbing. Seven cases of scarlet fever have been reported to the Health Office from Papakura so far this month. One case was discovered on May 3, four on May 5, and two on May 8. — r