INFLUENZA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIII, Issue 173, 19 August 1919, Page 3

INFLUENZA

MARKED INCREASE IN CANTER BURY,

(United Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. 18

1 ! There is a marked increase in the { number of dnfludnza and pneumonia cases in Canterbury. The weekly bul- ' letin issued by the Public Health De- ) partment for the period ended at noon ’ to-day shows for 1 the North Canterbury health district 26 new cases of I influenza and 10 cases of pneumonia, i as against 7 cases of each disease last) 'j week. j The Christchurch Influenza Committee is watching carefully the figures in connection with thp increase of the disease. A report having reached Christ! church that, owing to it he prevalence of influenza, it was possible that places of entertainment in the city wouid i be closed, a reporter saw Dr. Chesj son, District Health Officer, and m quiied whether the report was so j curare. “There is no reason to anti- '■ cipate anything of ithat sort at the present time,” was Dr. Ghesson’s reply “A careful watch is being maintains ■ cd,’’ he added, “of the progress of t influenza in this district, and avt.mgormciur- are in readiness in ithe e\ r ent of | anything cropping up, but tht?r { » is no . justification aa the present time for I t ik’ng any extreme action. It must j be home in mind that there is a i or--1 tain amount of influenza and pneumonia , c.vsrir.g in and around Christchur hj. and, although there is no need for panic : is absolutely essential tnat jc q.lc should take every _ precaution themselves. Especially ia it necessary j for people to avoid crowds or congested places of amusement or of public resort. People must also he reminded •that exposing oneself in a public place when suffering from or just recovering from influenza, pneumonia or any other infectious disease, will render the perso offending liable to prosecution. I is the intention of the Department of Public Health to take action against any person wilfully exposing others (to ; risk in this manner."