PARALYSIS CASES

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 58, 10 March 1937, Page 13

PARALYSIS CASES

PRECAUTIONS TAKEN

Statements concerning infantile paralysis in Wadestown were commented upon by Dr. F. S. Mac Lean, Medical Officer of Health, to the "Post" today.

"There have'been two cases only of poliomyelitis at Wadestown," he said. "The first child./was taken ill before the schools re-pperied and the second child was a contact of the first, and had been excluded from school for a week before the first appearance of the disease. Precautions have been taken to exclude from school all children who have in any way been contacts of those affected. There is no evidence what-, ever of infection in the school, and it does not appear that any good purpose would be served by closing the school. It must be remembered that the children of a locality will come into contact with each other whether the school is open or closed. If at any time closure appears necessary to limit the spread of infection, it will be brought into force immediately."

(To the Erfitor.) Sir, —Mr, Scott has made a statement which might be interpreted that I had neglected my duty in this matter, so in fairness I know you will allow me to reply. The facts are as follows:— Mr. Scott rang up acquainting me of the case, and asking that under the circumstances the opening of the school be delayed. I promised to at once get in touch with the, secretary of the board, who would in turn advise the Department of the position, and they would instruct the board what to do. I told Mr. Scott I would ring him later and acquaint him with the result of my investigations, but he explained that he was not on the 'phone, but he would be glad if I would ring the headmaster. After communicating with the secretary of the board, and learning subsequently that the Department did not propose to delay opening the school, I tried to get in touch with the headmaster, but failed to do so. I then rang Mr. Parlane, chairman of the school committee, and fully explained what had been done since Mr. Scott rang.—l am, etc., J. J. CLARK.