Measles Reach Epidemic Proportions

Northern Advocate, 11 July 1938, Page 4

Measles Reach Epidemic Proportions

Within the past fortnight the incidence of measles in the Whangarei, Northern Wairoa, Otamatea and Kawakawa districts has increased to such an extent as to justify the outbreak being regarded as being of epidemic proportions, according to information given by the Medical Officer of Health, Dr. C. B. Gilberd, this morning. Dr. Gilberd said that there are no cases in Mangonui or Whangarc-a counties, but that there are a few mild cases at Kaikohe. Measles are prevalent in a mild form at South Hokianga and Broadwood. In Whangarei the disease has become considerably more prevalent in the past two weeks, and school rolls are generally fairly heavily depleted. On an average, 30 per cent, of the children are absent from school as cases or contacts. The outbreak is also taking continued toll of adults. The disease has already spread over much of the rest of the North Island, and is found to be prevalent in Auckland, South Auckland, and as far south as Wellington. Dr. Gilberd this morning stressed the need for the thorough isolation of all cases, and the need for additional care in view of the cold weather, it being necessary for patients to be confined to bed or to their rooms in order to avoid the complications which might easily set in.