EXPERTS PUZZLED

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 65, 10 December 1930, Page 11

EXPERTS PUZZLED

Mysterious Epidemic DEATHS IN BELGIUM “Fog Asthma” Suggested GAS THEORY PERSISI'S By Telegraph—Frew Assn.—Copyright. Liege, December 8. The creeping death fog has lifted, but experts of all types are on the spot investigating possible explanations of one of the most mysterious epidemics in the history of disease. A party of professors from Brussels and Liege, who accompanied the Queen of Belgium on a tour of the stricken region, are convinced that the fog was not the sole cause of the deaths. They believe that the fog was Impregnated by some toxic particles, and they are endeavouring to trace the poison. Cases in the Past. On the contrary, M. Felix Berthyn states that a similar fog caused the deaths of some people and many cattle in 1911 in the Meuse Valley. He calls it “fog asthma.” The symptoms arp difficult breathing, slackening of the movements of the heart, and, finally, death. These are all symptoms of asphyxia. There was another outbreak in 1902, when the remedy was to convex animals and other sufferers to the hills. At least 400 people are still affected and of these 100 cases are serious. No Post-Mortems. Other hypotheses are that secret poison gas escaped from a German gat factory just oyer the frontier. It is suggested that the fumes have been held down by the recent cold fog. Rsponsible opinion, however, refuses to accept the poison gas hypotheses. Unfortunately, Instead of ordering post-mortem examinations, officials have already issued permits for 40 burials. The Belgium Home Office says that one post-mortem disclosed bronchial pneumonia, and reiterates its opinion that this is the cause of the deaths, despite the angry comments of local inhabitants.

Horses, pigs, and cows affected are being driven out of the district and slaughtered.