SPINAL MENINGITIS.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15604, 31 May 1916, Page 10

SPINAL MENINGITIS.

CASES AT FEATHERSTON CAMP

NO FEAR OF AX EPIDEMIC.

(special to "the tress.")

WELLINGTON, May 30

lleplying to-day to- a question by Mr Sidey regarding the cases of cerebrospinal meningitis at Fcathcrston Camp, the Minister of Defence stated that every possible precaution was being taken, and that it was practically impossible for the epidemic of meningitis or any other-epidemic to occur at the camp. All except five of tho men who had been in contact with tho meningitis cases had been proved to bo immune. These five men were carefully watched. vSo far as he knew, there were now only tv. o cases of meningitis. In one case tne man was out of danger, and tho other was fairly bad: It was erroneous to suppose that meningitis could be contracted from the surrounding buildings; it could be contracted only by personal contact. Every precaution was being taken by careful attention to the men's throats, etc., and Surgeon-General Henderson was personally giving his attention to the matter. It was possible that a few cases of meningitis would occur after measles, but he did not think there was any possible fear of an epidemic arising. There was an ample supply of tho plexnor serum available.