ILLNESS IN CITY

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29858, 26 June 1962, Page 13

ILLNESS IN CITY

More Viral Infections

Viral infections in Christchurch showed a marked increase during the four weeks ended June 10. compared with the previous four weeks, according to the research committee of the Canterbury faculty of the College of General Practitioners. One hundred and fortytwo viral cases were seen by the reporting doctors, compared with 82 in the previous period. The average number of doctors reporting each week was 10. an increase of 0 25. Of the viral infections, 118 were respiratory (influenzatype). five were neurotropic (affecting the nerves), and 21 enteric (affecting the stomach or intestines). Staphylococcal infections of children also rose sharply, from 15 reported cases to 43. but there was only a small increase in’ adults, from 40 to 47. Gastro-enteritis showed a slight fall, dropping from 45 reported cases to 38. Chicken-pox cases rose from six to 15. otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear) from 19 to 31, acute labyrinthitis from three to 11. and herpes zoster (shingles) from one to seven. Acute tonsillitis fell from 81 eases to 75.

Acute cystitis (inflammation of the urinary bladder) was very common, and acute bronchitis, pneumonia and common colds were prevalent. Notifiable Diseases Four cases of notifiable diseases were reported in the Christchurch health district last week. There was one case of infective hepatitis and three of pulmonary tuberculosis. Children Poisoned

Two small boys were admitted to Christchurch Hospital during the week ended Sunday after swallowing toxic substances. A 19-mon.th-old child was admitted on June 18 after drinking oil of cloves, and a two-year-old on June 23 after taking 25 aspirin tablets. Both were discharged on the day after admission.