MEASLES AND INFLUENZA

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22465, 28 July 1938, Page 5

MEASLES AND INFLUENZA

+ Two Prevalent Maladies SCHOOLS NOT SERIOUSLY AFFECTED The measles epidemic is spreading gradually in Canterbury and Westland, the District Medical Officer of Health, Dr. T. Fletcher Telford, told a reporter of “The Press'* yesterday. So far the school attendances had not been affected very seriously, and only four State schools in the district —all small ones—had been closed, it was learnt from the Canterbury Education Board. In addition to measles, a form ot influenza is prevalent in Canterbury at present, said Dr. Telford. Doctors and hospital authorities had informed him that there had been many cases of influenza in recent weeks. Dr. Telford emphasised that this maladv should not be treated lightly. Siifferej-s should stay in bed until their temperature regained normality and should be put on a light diet. Influenza, he said, was a serious matter for elderly persons, and he advised all elderly persons contracting the disease to secure medical attention. Mr L. E. Rowley, secretary to tne Canterbury Education Board, said yesterday that no reports of senous reductions in school attendances had come from city schools. The primary schools appeared to have been ajfected less than some of the secondary schools. The four schools wh' -’i had been closed were those at Russell’s Flat (North Canterbury ”• Moana, Hilton, and GrayY Corner.