PARALYSIS INFECTION

Evening Star, Issue 22526, 19 December 1936, Page 21

PARALYSIS INFECTION

CHILDREN SAFER IN CAMPS DR GRAVEN REPLIES TO CRITICISM [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, December 19. Auckland is still free from infantile paralysis. There is a possibility that the 'ear, nose, and throat department of the Auckland Hospital'will be closed as a precautionary measure. . ’ “ The right time to inaugurate children’s camps is before the first case appears in the district,” said Dr .1. W. Craven, medical superintendent of the Auckland Hospital, commenting on the criticism that had been levelled at him following his suggestion that children's camps should he open. “By segregating as many children as possible in suitable camps the possibility of contact with adults who might be carriers would be materially lessened,” he said. At present the shops, streets, and tramcars .are packed with children and adults. In camps the children would be supervised by trained nurses who would be on the alert for further signs of infantile paralysis. In this way there would' be'much more likelihood of cases being detected in the early stages. Any prophylactic treatment recommended by the Health Department could be better carried out in camps than by parents. These are my own opinions. I have no wish to embarrass the officers of the Health Department, but the care of the litt.e ones is of the utmost importance.”