NEW OUTBREAK

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21924, 19 January 1946, Page 6

NEW OUTBREAK

PARALYSIS CASES OTAGO NOTIFICATIONS PRECAUTIONARY STEPS (P.A.) DUNUEDIN, Jan. 19. Ten cases of infantile paralysis have been notified in the Otago health district since the beginning of November. Five of these cases were notified this week, most of the recent notifications being made yesterday. While it is emphasised that there is no cause for serious alarm over the situation, the Minister of Health, Mr. A. H Nordmeyer, as a precautionary measure, has authorised the medical officer of health for Otago, Dr. G. O. L. Dempster, to exercise powers under Section 76 of the Health Act by taking the necessary steps to prohibit the congregation of children under the age of 16 years at all public places of entertainment and public gatherings, both indoors and outdoors, and in Sunday schools. A further restiiction will prohibit children from travelling by public conveyance outside the Otago and Southland health districts. In a statement last night Dr. Dempster said that the ban would apply to such resorts as sports gatherings, picture theatres and baths. The restrictions would' apply until further notice. No deaths have resulted among the 10 cases notified in the Otago district since November and in four instances there is no residual paralysis. At present similar restrictions to those to be enforced in Otago will be applied in the Southland district by Dr. K. J. H. Davies, medical officer of health for Southland.