THE PUBLIC HEALTH.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17328, 17 November 1916, Page 9

THE PUBLIC HEALTH.

SCARLET FEVER AND CEREBRO-

SPINAL MENINGITIS.

The latest information submitted to tho Hon G. W. Russell, Minister of Public Health, shows that tho scarlet fever epidemic has greatly decreased. During the past few weeks the number of cases reported in North Canterbury has not exceeded twenty-five. Mr Russell expressed a hope yesterday that the epidemic had passed though its most acute stages. Cerebro-spinal meningitis, on the other hand, seems to be extending from the Wellington province to other parts. Tho latest return, made up to tho week ending Monday last, showed that there were eight cases in the Dominion, and only three of these were at the training camps. The balance may be cases of soldiers on leave from the camps. Mr Russell points out that up to the present time the South Island has been very free from attacks of this disease. Its progress is being carefully watched, and he has asked officers of his Department to prepare a special report on the South Island cases.