TYPHOID EPIDEMIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15914, 11 May 1915, Page 4

TYPHOID EPIDEMIC.

FORTY-SEVEN CASES KNOWN.

PRECAUTIONS NECESSARY.

The typhoid fever epidemic in the Epsom and One-tree Hill districts continues to spread, and the Health Department has reason to fear thai the water supply is the source of the trouble. Since April 1 no less than 47 cases of typhoid fever have been reported to the Health Department from the Auckland city and suburban area, and of these 44 have occurred in the Epscyn and One-tree Hill districts. Only one case has been reported so far from Onehunga.

Stringent measures are taken by the Department to render the water supply perfectly safe. The mains in the affected districts have all been emptied of their contents, and the usual remedial steps taken before the water was once more allowed to flow. The Department, too. is impressing upon residents of the affected districts and districts immediately adjacent the absolute necessity of most carefully boiling all water used for domestic purposes. 'This includes water for drinking, for washing, rinsing the teeth, washing vegetables, and cleansing domestic articles, such as jugs, etc. There is no reason to believe that any particular milk supply is a source of infection. Nevertheless, as milk is so extremely sensitive that even a drop of infected water is sufficient to make it dangerous, the Department considers that it will be well for every drop of milk in the affected districts to be boiled. Finally it is suggested that residents should keep all food and milk covered to prevent them from being tainted by flies or dust, and that no vegetables, such as watercress or celery, si ould be eaten raw.