A MENACE TO CHILDREN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 296, 14 December 1936, Page 6

A MENACE TO CHILDREN.

There is no cause for alarm in the outbreak of infantile paralysis in Dunedin, but the fact that 14 eases have occurred there so early in the summer is a definite 'warning to parents. It is £0 years since a serious epidemic of the disease afflicted . New Zealand, but the pitiable of that visitation are so well remembered that the warning will not fall upon heedless ears. .A series of simple precautions is urged by' the Health Depart- j ment, and if these be observed the outbreak will be kept within bounds. Keeping the children's heads well covered is an elementary precaution of the greatest importance, and so is the provision of adequate clothing when temperatures change suddenly. The fly menace should be dealt with in every : household and on every beach; adequate preventive measures, if properly concerted, can do wonders in minimising the potential : evils from flies. Unfortunately the symptoms of the disease in the initial stages have no great divergence from those of a dozen other complaints, but if the epidemic spreads parents will be well advised to keep a close watch upon the general health of their children and to seek medical advice where any doubt exists. In the initial stages much can be done to mitigate the effects of infantile paralysis, and it is therefore of particular importance that early steps be taken when there is the slightest reason to suspect the presence of the disease. While there is no occasion for alarm, and there has been no. case in the Auckland area yet, the suggestions of the Health Department, published in another column, should have the careful consideration of all parents.