INFANTILE PARALYSIS

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21974, 24 December 1936, Page 8

INFANTILE PARALYSIS

TO THE KDITOB OT TAB rHES3. Sir.—May I. through your column suggest a possible cause of infantile paralysis. A close study of the subject shows the marked similarity of the symptoms of this disease to those of arsenical poisoning. . -In infantile paralysis, the onset is usually sudden. There may be only a mild snuffling and slight irritability, with the quick onset of paralysis, or, on the other hand, there may be a warning in the shape of slight fever for two or three days, sickness, and then sudden collapse, the final paralysis being dependent upon the degree of degeneration of the affected nerve fibres. Arsenical poisoning gives similar symptoms, the most marked being its profound impression upon the nervous system. This often results in te-

tanic spasms, convulsions or cramp, which may go on to paralysis. Arsenic affects the peripheal nerves, i.e.. those running in the limbs and extremities, as does infantile paralysis. In both conditions we see the early effect on the mucous membranes, particularly those of the stomach, giving the sickness. When arsenic is taken into the body, it is carried around by the blood, affecting first the nerves and then the heart. The nerves of the stomach are the first to be affected, as is well known. The stomach is supplied by the vagus and the sympathetic nerves, the latter controlling the vagus. The heart is also supplied by the vagus, so it is evident that the secondary effect of arsenic must be on the heart. These facts explain the marked effects on the stomach and the heart, in both arsenical poisoning and infantile paralysis. In both we see the mucous membranes of the respiratory passages affected. In both, this condition is followed by muscular weakness, which .may go on to paralysis. Epidemic infantile paralysis is most common in hot weather when the fruit is in season. Arsenic is much used in sprays for fruit. Is it not feasible that the arsenic, owing to dry weather, may not be washed off by the rain. Children eating fruit with the skins on would be ouickly affected under certain conditions'.

Arsenic has different effects on different people. After a close study of the subject I am convinced that those who suffer from poisoning are the ones who have faulty depuration, i.e., inefficient action of the excretory organs. One of the first victims of the last epidemic, who, however, escaped paralysis, proved the truth of this fact to me some time later. Arsenic has a cumulative action in the body as is well known. This property explains its different action on different types. Those with a good, healthy blood stream have the best chance of throwing off the poison. Certain fungi, e.g., mucor mucedo and pencillium glaucum are capable of developing on arsenical media, and ap--preciable quantities of volatile arsenic are given off. Many cases of poisoning by these compounds are on record, and it is this aspect of arsenical poisoning which may explain the presence of a germ in infantile paralysis. I am convinced that investigation on these lines should throw some light on the problem of infantile paralysis Yours, etc.. M. G. DAVIES. December 23, 1936. TO TUB KDITOB Or THE PRESS. Sir, —I have read with interest the Health Department's precautionary measures for the control of infantile paralysis. During the Christmas holidays thousands of people will be travelling between Christchurch and Dunedin, and vice versa and I am afraid that will be the time the disease wil? be likely to spread to our city, and I am wondering if the health authorities can make any suggestions in this respect. Could not all express trains from the south be fitted up with one carriage equipped with atomisers under the control of a health officer, and all persons from the affected area be compelled to pass through this special carriage and receive an inhalation of a suitably disinfected atmosphere discharged by the Atomisers'^ No doubt it w Ad be a big task, and would inconvenience the passengers, but considering the dreaded nature of the disease, I would like to hear the Health Department's views on the matter, and rrompt action decided upon in conjunction with the Railway De-

partment, should the above suggestion be considered suitable. As regards motor traffic from the affected area, similar precautions could be instituted. A large tent could/be erected (o- a suitable building used) adjacent U the main highway on the outskirts of the city, and the occupants of all cars from the south be compelled to undergo treatment as above specified in the structure fitted up for the purpose. . „ . No doubt the Health Department could obtain the co-cation of traffic officers to enforce the treatment. Trusting the above suggestions will receive consideration by the Health De-partment.-Yours, etc., December 23, 1931. ["That method was in force during and after the war," said Dr. John Boyd, assistant Medical Officer of Health for the Canterbury-Westland district when this letter was referred to him. 'Although it was in use then for a while, present opinion is generally against it. It is a thing of the past and it not held now as being of any benefit."] TO THB «DITO» OT TH« P*»SS. Sir,—May I add my widow's mite towards the suppressing of infantile paralysis. Might I suggest that a free medical man is placed at the disposal of people who cannot afford a regular one. Quite a number of people will hot visit a doctor if they cannot afford to pay, and this is how trouble is spread. The health authorities could appoint a medical man for men, if necessary) and could arrange to compensate them. The Bobbies and Joans in some families have to be really ill before medical aid can be afforded.—Yours, etc., BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. December 23, 1936.