FEVER IN GREECE.

Press, Volume XLIV, Issue 19401, 29 August 1928, Page 11

FEVER IN GREECE.

BUSINESS PARALYSED. THOUSANDS ARE AFFECTED. (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION —BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT.) (Received August 38th 7.5 p.m.) LONDON, August 28. The Athens correspondent »f "The Times" reports that the construction of a tunnel in connexion with railway electrification, which exposed old drains, is now blamed for the epidemic of dengue fever which has assumed alarming proportions, doubling ths death rate in Athens and Piraeus. It is estimated that there are 160,000 to 200,000 cases Business is paralysed in both cities. Many offices and factories are closed, and at a leading bank there are only 20 out of 180 employees working, while the Government railways, trams, and postal services are completely disorganised. Athens reports a shortage of drugs. The consumption of bread has dropped from 225 tons to 75 tons daily. The town is deserted at sunset. The League of Nations has notified the dispatch of Dr. Mackenzie, an expert in tropical diseases, to study the situation. The disease is usually of six to ten days' duration, and is not being experienced in its most fatal form. It is spreading to thq provinces. where it is being carried by thousands who are migrating to avoid contagion.—"The Times" Cables. A SERIOUS EPIDEMIC. ATHENS, August 27. , A serious epidemic of dengue fever is reported. There are 150,000 cases. There have been no fatalities, but the victims are reduced to shadows. The telephones are not working, and the railways are running a skeleton service. Other public services are not functioning, social life is at a standstill, and the shops are empty except the chemists, which are besieged for aspirin. Ice makers are unable to cope with the demand. —Australian Press Association.