THE LOCAL POSITION.

Marlborough Express, Volume LII, Issue 285, 20 November 1918, Page 5

THE LOCAL POSITION.

SEVERAL SERIOUS OASES.

To-day's ■ reports of the effects of the influenza /outbreak in this district give the unwelcome indication, that several serious case's have developed. This morning there were two very "serious cases in the Wairau •Hospital, whilo another patient was serious in a lesser degree. In addition, Dt Russell Adams reported that he was attending three cases in Blenheim which were of a serious nature, all having developed pneumonic tendencies. Fresh cases -are'being reported daily, but against this tiiere is a corresponding number of patients, who were affected mildly, recovering and in the convalescent stage, where ordinary care—and not medical attention—is the vital necessity. The local doctors are coping with the epidemic in a manner that entails an active existence, but as yet the public have not risen to the occasion in order to facilitate the work of the profession. It is highly desirable that calls for medical attention •should be communicated as early as possible in the morning so tha& each ease .can be attended to in i-ota-tion and according to district in order to avoid overlapping. It is pointed out that in an epidemic of this character a percentage of pneumonic cases can hardly be avoided, as people who have previously suffered from chest complaints are more prone to dangerous symptoms ; whilst a -serious position often develops through patients not following ordinary precautions when the complaint first asserts itself. Patients who lhave benefited from tho local organisation are particularly grateful for the efforts that have been made in their behalf, and a large meed of praise is accorded the Boy Scouts for t2a.eir commendable work.