POLIO RESTRICTIONS END IN AUCKLAND

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22666, 17 June 1948, Page 6

POLIO RESTRICTIONS END IN AUCKLAND

(P.A.) AUCKLAND. June 16. The removal, as from Monday, of all restrictions imposed on the central Auckland health district on account of the infantile paralysis epidemic was announced by the Medical Officer of Health. Dr. L. S. Davis, yesterday. This step has been approved by the Minister of Health. Miss Mabel Howard, he added.

“The decision means that kindergartens and day nurseries may open on that day and that swimming baths will be open to children under 16,” continued Dr. Davis. “The position at present can be regarded as very satisfactory. There has not been an admission of a positive case to the Auckland Hospital since June 1. Several suspect cases have been admitted, but these have now been declared negative with the exception of one case, which is still under suspicion.” One further case of an adult, admitted from the city on June 11, was declared negative yesterday, said Dr. Davis. This left one suspect and 48 positive cases in Auckland Hospital. Forty-five of the positive cases were convalescent and only three acute.

A positive case of paralysis was reported in the South Auckland health district yesterday. The patient is a five-year-old boy. This brings thetotal of cases in the district since the outbreak of the epidemic to 118.

POLIO IN WAIRARAPA (P.A.) MASTERTON, June 17, A further Wairarapa poliomyelitis suspect was admitted yesterday afternoon to the Masterton Hospital. The patient is a girl aged four years living near Featherston.