INFLUENZA.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17809, 7 July 1923, Page 14

INFLUENZA.

FEW PNEUMONIC CASES. A REASSURING STATEMENT (SPBCIAL TO '"TSB PaESS.") WELLINGTON, July 0. Sir Maui Pomare, Minister of Health, made a statement in the Houne to-day regarding influenza. He had, he said, received a telegram from the Medical Officer of Health in Christchureh stating that ho had personally visited the hospitals there to inspect tho pneumonic cases. Five cases were convalescent, one was still serious, and another was improving slightly. There was, the officer stated, no cause for alarm. The type of influenza prevalent was not the same as was experienced in 1918. That was, he said, a very reassuring statement. The number of pneumonic cases Id South Canterbury was two, and in North Canterbury one. Tho cases of pneumonia were:" Ashburton one, North Canterbury one, deaths nil. The Bottle Lake Hospital was not now being used for pnouinonic cases, accommodation being provided in the isolation block of the Main Hospital, the staffing arrangements being a difficulty in regard to the former.

A telegram from Duuedin stated that since noon yesterday tho pneumonic cases wero nil, and the deaths nil. The North Island was so far lightly affected, the brunt of tho disease having fallen on tbe South Island. The .Department was watching' the position very closely, and ensuring vigorous isolation of patients suffering from the pneumonic type. Wellington City, so far, had escaped lightly, though a mild form of influenza was prevalent there during the last four weeks. Tho question of postponing the races and closing tho picture theatres and schools in Wellington during Welcome Week had been considered, but was not recommended for the reason that it was by no means conclusive that such action was of much value.

Sir Maui quoted from, the voluminous report issued in 1920 by the British Ministry <(f Health, showing that tho thronging of theatres and picture houses, though a source of danger, was probably not more serious than the travelling public was forced to endure. The closing of pieture shows would still leave much casual overcrowding untouched. It was recommended that a high standard of ventilation should be attained, American exports had reported that the closing of schoohi, theatres, and other places of asscmblj', and regulations to prevent crowding were enforced in many cities during the epidemic of 1918-19, but so far is could be judged, had no favourable effect whatever.

The Minister added that in influen2'i, as in no other disease, the public had the methods of prevention largely in their own hands. Whether Wellington would or would not have a widespread visitation must depend upon the individual members of the community. The most simple form of prevention was gargling with a solution of & teaspoonful of common salt in a cup of water, to which was added enough permanganate of potash to make it slightly pink. That was within the reach of everyone of the moat ordinary means. In cases where there was a rise in temperature, the person should go to bed at once, remain at rest and keep warm. Medical attention should be obtained if necessary.

CITY AND SUBURBAN SCHOOLS CLOSED. On account of the prevailing sickness amongst pupils attending the primairy schools in the city and suburbs, the education authorities have decided th,it ■ all the city and suburban schools shall be closed for the whole of next week, it is stated that, approximately, about »ne-third of the pupils are absent oiling to influenza chiefly of the mild character. Acting with the concurlenco of the Medical Officer of Health for the Canterbury-West /Coast Health District, the education authorities advise parents to keep their children from, picture and other indoor entertainments. At the St. Albans School yesterday, 236 pupils out of a roll number of 630 were away iIL The tramway' authorities report'that 15 or 16 of the traffic staff, out of a total of 270, and seven or eight of the carsheds staff, out of a total of 120, are absent on account of influenza. i Notifiable Gases. At noon yesterday the following" cases had been notified to the Health Officer: —Influenza: Pneumonia, North Canterbury 1, South ; Canterbury (Timaru) 2. Lobar pneumonia: North Canterbury 1, Ashburton 1. Cases of common influenza are, of course, not notifiable. The influenza- patients sent to the Burwood Hospital some days ago havo buen removed to the General Hospital, where better facilities ara available for their treatment.

TECHNICAL COLLEGE DAY SCHOOL CLOSED. At the meeting of the Board of Governors of tho Technical College lust night, the Director, Dr. D. E. Hansen reported that absences on account of influenza eqnalled 30 per cent, of ute attendance at the day jtuhool, and 16 per cent, in respect of the evening classes. Regarding the ier.chers (the worst attendance had bean ?hat dav when four were absent. "' After the Health authorities had been consulted it was decided to dose the day school for one week. The chairman (Mr C. H. Opie) expressed astonishment that the picture theatres had not been closed. It waa stated that the Health authorities were taking steps to prevent school children attending such place 3 of amusement. STATEMENT BY HEALTH OFFICER. to Tfis srowo* or "«mt rugs." Sir,—ln order that there may be no misunderstanding as to my responsi. bility for the control of infectious diseases in this district, I may state that I fully realise my responsibility. The public would not dare to criticise in the open Preaa a case while still tm b judfee before a Stipendiary Magistrate or a Judge of tho Supreme Court nor dispute the directions of a captain of a ship while in danger. I WO uM claim the same privilege, for I deirir* to have my full attention centred upon' the situation, and not deflected in any

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way by local criticism or usekg* suggestions. I know full well that I have the loyal support of the laeaical pjrolestuon iri any measures that 1 may recommend. Should 1 see any occasion tor stronger action, there will be na delay in its adoption, and outside heli> will be solicited when such ia necessary. in tiio meantime, my advice to the public is, when they find that they have an attack of innueitsia, it is their duty to lay up and remain home for a week, or until such time as tneir temperature has been normal for at least tour days. It niust be clearly understood that an individual recently convalescent from this disease undertakes a grave risk of contracting pneumonia or some other illness by attending places where people congregate in large numbers, and more partlcularly by standing about upon the cold, damp ground at football matches or race meetings. Children and convalescents should uot remain out after sundown. 1 would point out to the editors of newspapers in this district the p<». siole damage done psychologically -to the patient by unduly stressing the dangers of the disease, as It ia likery to engender in the patient a sense of inordinate fear and listlessness, "T* faanc^ U y in h j» b *ttte agamst the disease. Especially ia this the case when It is public knowledge ttiat only the pneumonic forms of tie ™ • x , M « d 'cal Officer of Health CHristchurch, July 6th, 1923.