POLIOMYELITIS MEASURES

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28158, 22 December 1956, Page 10

POLIOMYELITIS MEASURES

MEDICAL OFFICER’S ADVICE

Precautions against poliomyelitis could be summed up in the words “good hygiene —particularly with regard to hand washing after a visit to the toilet.” said the deputy Medical Officer of Health in Christchurch (Dr H. T. Knights > yesterday.

“In the holiday season persons are apt to take a holiday from observing the rules of elementary hygiene.” he said. “Bacterial organisms take no such holiday and at a time of warm weather when flies are prevalent and meals are often consumed picnic fashion. contamination of foodstuffs is particularly liable to occur. “Keep hands clean and food protected from flies and dust. Be careful about the type of water you drink and employ good camping techniques when on tour. Avoid over-exertion by children as much as possible and see that they have adequate rest,” Dr. Knights said. No cases of poliomyelitis have been reported lately in the Christchurch and Greymouth health districts, but last week eight positive and six suspected cases were notified from the Fairlie district in South Canterbury.

The Medical Officer of Health in Timaru (Dr. N. T. Barnett) said last evening that there had been no farther cases reported from that area this week. One suspected case in another area had now been ruled out as even a suspect.