INFANTILE PARALYSIS

Evening Star, Issue 22630, 23 April 1937, Page 13

INFANTILE PARALYSIS

CLOSING Of AUCKLAND SCHOOLS UNWARRANTED [Peb United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, April 22. The following telegram was received from the Acting Prime Minister (the Hon. P. Fraser) by the secretary of the Auckland Hospital Board: “ I have considered the-resolution of your board, that _ all the schools in the Auckland district should be closed and the children prohibited from attending picture theatres and other places of entertainment as from to-morrow (Friday), in order to prevent the spread of infantile paralysis. The DirectorGeneral of Health advises me that immediate action of this nature is not warranted by the present circumstances. A close watch is being kept by the department, however, and, if necessary, I shall not hesitate to take the action you recommend.” Inquiries to-night revealed that since April 12 eight positive cases of infantile paralysis have been admitted to the Auckland Hospital, and of these one had died. He was a young man who came from Kaukapakapa. In addition to seven positive cases now in hospital there are four suspect patients under observation.

111 OTHER CENTRES TAURANGA, April 22. A case of infantile paralysis was reported this morning from a nearby Maori pa. The patient is a Maori girl, aged 3J years. OPOTIKI, April 22. Another case of infantile paralysis has occurred here, the patient being a 10-year-old girl from the coast. The schools in Opotiki are closing. HOKITIKA, April 22. The patient who was suspected of having infantile paralysis, and who was admitted to the Westland Hospital last week, was discharged to-day, the case having proved negative.