MENINGITIS IN CAMP

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 July 1941, Page 2

MENINGITIS IN CAMP

MINISTER’S STATEMENT. WELLINGTON, July 17. “So far many thousands of young men have passed through the various military camps of the Dominion with an exceptionally high standard of fitness,” said the Minister for Defence (Mr. Jones). “That fact, together with the remarkable record of freedom from any serious epidemic, has been vbry gratifying to all concerned. “There have been, of course, cases of sickness Stich as measles, mumps, and minor troubles, but nothing worse. I now regret to say that a case of cerebro spinal meningitis has occurred at Ngaruawahia Camp. The patient has been admitted to the Waikato Hospital. In view of the nature of the case, instructions have been given that the camp is to be closed until after the week-end. “The general health of the men in this camp has been very good, and the sick rate has been the lowest of any camps in the northern district. It is pleasing to be able to say that there are no indications of any other cases at present, and that therefore there is no cause for alarm. The public can rest assured that every possible precaution will be taken to see that the disease does not extend, and consequently in the meantime, in the interests of the health of the men and the general public, no leave will be granted until the medicaljauthorities are satisfied that everything is safe.” —Press Assn. _