INFLUENZA.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16350, 23 October 1918, Page 7

INFLUENZA.

!> — 4 VACCINES AS A REMEDY. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received Octobor 22nd, 8.45 p.m.) CAPETOWN, Ootober 21. Tlio report of tho Director of the South African Institute of Medical Research on tho use of vaccine prophylaxis in connexion with influenza, says that it is unjustifiable at the present state of knowleclgo of- tho remedy or claim that any bacterial vaccine confers any protection against the epidomic of influenza. It is possible that doses comprehensive of Lord Lister's eighth group might be useful in preventing pnoumonic complications. On the other hand, the opinion, of the Government bacteriologist and practitioners generally is that vaccines modify tho attack, and lessen the incidence and severity of the pneumonic complications, and reduce the mortality. Tho Director of Medical Services of the Defence Forces states that he had under close observation many thousand cases, and not one who underwent a second inoculation contracted the disease. There was only one case of a patient once inoculated dying of pneumonia. Tho emphatic opinion of all military doctors is that the value of the vaccine is incontrovertible. THE OUTBREAK IN SOUTH AFRICA. (press association telegram.) WELLINGTON, October 22. A few days ago the Minister of Public Health cablod to the South African Health authorities for information regarding the outbreak of influenza at Cape Town and elsewhere. A reply has been received to the effect that the disease is true influenza, complicated by pneumonia and othor pulmonary affections. With regard to remedial measures, the Capo authorities report that vaccines are boing tried, but they do not give details of the results. OUTBREAK ON A STEAMER. (By Cabl«.—Press A«aociation.—Copyright i (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) MELBOURNE. October 22. A steamer has arrived from Broomo with an epidemic of influenza among the passengers and crew. There are n iiny severe cases.