INFLUENZA IN N.Z.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17807, 5 July 1923, Page 9

INFLUENZA IN N.Z.

FEW PNEUMONIC CASES. STATEMENT BY MINISTER OP HEALTH. (SPECIAL TO "TEE 2F.23S ") WELLINGTON, July 4. In the House of Representatives this afternoon Mr D. G.Sullivan a;ked the Minister of Health a question about influenza in Christ-church.

Tho Hon Sir Maui Pomarc, in reply, said tho prevalence of a mild form of influenza had beeu reported from North Canterbury. It was also prevalent in other parts of the Dominion. Many of the cases reported were nothing more than a severe form of ordinary colds. Nevertheless, the Department was alive to the situation, and had notified its branches to keep a strict watch. In Ghristchu'rch there had been eight case-s of the pneumonic form and ono death. He had instructed tho Department to take drastic measures in regard to the pneumonic type. It was doing 60, and such cases were being sent to the Bottle Lake Hospital. In New Zealand geuerally tho pneumonic type was not alarming. There had been 21 cases and only three deaths. The figures for the main centres were: — Cases. Deaths. Auckland ... ... 3 1 "Wellington 2 0 North Canterbury ... 8 1 Otago 5 1 In reply to a recent telegram sent to Australia, it was ascertained that there was no increase there; the tendency was in tho other direction. In New Zealand the milder forms of influenza were not notifiable. The Christchurch Hospital had reported that influenza was not causing any concern there, and so far it had not been necessary to make special provision for cases. Many cases throughout the country were merely the result of colds. In case of doubt, those suffering should stay at home and keep warm. Thus they would not spread the disease, and would be better cared for. Certain schools had been closed where the local boards deemed this to be necessary. Mr Isitt refered to the case of a child suffering from influenza, the said child not having been able to eat anything for three days. Would tho Minister say whether it was advisable in such cases that a doctor should be called in? . . Sir Maui Pomare said it was always advisable to call a local medical man—in cases of doubt. The fact that a child had not been able to eat food for three davs was no criterion. Sometimes it was a good thing for a patient to do without food for several days.

SIX CITY AND SUBURBAN SCHOOLS CLOSED.

One case of pneumonic influenza was officially reported to the Health authorities yesterday. In addition three children were admitted to hospital, theso cases being notified by tho. Hospital authorities.

There are at present no fewer than 6ix schools closed on account of the prevalence of the milder form of influenza—Waltham, Addington, Somerfield, Sydenham, Phillipstown, and Beckenhani. The Medical Officer of Health (Dr. T. Fletcher Telford) considers that it -would he wise on the part of those in charge of schools, when they seo that a child is obviously ailing, to send such children home with instructions to stay there till they are better. Dr Telford states that so far none of the medical practitioners in the city have reported any case of influenza of tne .virulent epidemic type and ho surmises that the cases reported are more of the nature of cases of bronchial Pneumonia, which is the usual compliEn of the severe type of respiratory, influenza;. HEALTH DEPARTMENT'S PRECAUTIONS. (JEBS3 ASSOCIATION TELKGHAH.) WELLINGTON, July *. Precautions have been taken by one Health Department to deal with any outbreak of influenza in Wellington, by sending out a notice to the effect that in the evfent of anything so untoward occurring it might be necessary to suspend the holding of public gatherings. Although there have been, some local cases, there is no cause for alarm. _ U the public take precautions, .as advised on previous occasions, it is unlikely that the medical officer will ask the .Minister's sanction to the order being issued. A warning is given, in view of the increased number of cases in the South Island, in order that the public may be prepared if action is considered necessary. POSITION IN DUNEDIN. (SfBCIAL TO "TBS PBBS0."). DUNEDIN, July 4, The prevailing sickness called influenza is manifesting itself fitfully in and about Dunedin. Twenty-six members of the staff of the Chief Post Office were off duty to-day, this number including twelve postmen. Ten members of the local police force were laid low at ore time. In one of the big boot establishments no fewer than forty of the operatives are on the sick list. (PBESS S.SSO-:I«.H)N TELEGBAIT.) DUNEDIN, July 4. As in other centres just now, there is a prevalence' of heavy colds and a mild form of influenza in Dunedin. Six serious cases in Otago and Southland have been notified to the Health Department since Monday, but so far toiere been onlv one death since the outbreak of the epidemic. DEATHS IN SYDNEY. (BT CABLE—PRE3S ASSOCIATIOK—COPTRIOHT.) (AUSTKALIAH AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.) SYDNEY, July 4. The vital statistics of the metropolitan area show 19 deaths from influenza in the month of June.