INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 3 September 1934, Page 7

INFECTIOUS DISEASES

FREEDOM FROM VIRULENT T. ATTACKS , .. . ;; . A review of the figures shows A that freedom from . virujent „ infectious diseases has *been' theyprincipal factor contributing to the .'reduction of the' rate in the--last fil'd years says the annual report of the Health Department. Some of these, such as diphtheria, scarlet fever; measles, and whooping cough,, have a cyclical epidemic tendency at intervals of several years. During the last 50 years, although epidemics of these four diseases have occurred with regular frequency, there has been a remarkable reduction throughout that period in, the mortality from these causes, and during the last five years that reduction lias been maintained. There has been a similar reduction in tlig mortality from typhoid fever, diarrhoea, and enteritis, and pulmonary diseases of an infectious nature, in-; eluding tuberculosis. ■■ _ Less can he said concerning influenza, if we include the pandemic of 1918-19 as ordinary influenza, or. do not attribute its then exalted, virulence to world-war factors. Since 1919 we 'have experienced epidemics of influenza with severe hut not serious effects. Preparedness at all times- to deal with a local outbreak of. this disease is, of course, necessary. • There has been no serious epidemic of infantile paralysis since 1925; There have been many mild cases of this disease presenting systemic syinV ptoms, but little actual paralysis has occurred.