THE PUBLIC HEALTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17293, 17 October 1919, Page 8

THE PUBLIC HEALTH.

REVIEW OF PAST YEAR. INCREASE IN DIPHTHERIA. THE INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC. [BY TELEGRAPH. SPECIAL REPORTER.] WELLINGTON, Thursday The report of the Department of Public Health, Hospitals and Charitable Aid has been laid on the table of the House of Representatives, but hag not yet been printed. It is stated that diphtheria was, next to influenza, the most widespread of the infectious diseases during the year, a total of 2919 cases being reported, an increase of 378. The disease was mild in nature and few fatalities resulted. The advent of the influenza wave in; November caused a rapid diminution in the number of cases of diphtheria. Owing to the possibility of a recrudescence of the influenza epidemic there has been a movement to spread as widely as: possible some knowledge of elementary nursing. The ignorance of the simplest methods of caring for the sick was, says the report, rather astonishing considering the general adaptability and efficiency in domestic work of the colonial woman. For instance, few persons could correctly read a thermometer. Some of the hospitals have offered to take in young women for short periods of training in the wards. The advantage to these women is said to be questionable, and the disadvantage to the regular probationers is unquestionable. Rather it is desired that the course given by the Sfe, John Ambulance Society should be extended, and that centres should be formed and classes held in every town. The total cost of the influenza epidemic is estimated at £200,000. There were 7561 cases of admission to hospital in the larger training camps and 284 deaths. A total of 280 of these occurred in November and December. Other cases were treated outside the camp hospitals. There were 3294 deaths from influenza in the Dominion in November and 2177 in December. The epidemic reached its height on November 21, when there were 500 deaths in one day. In all, 5559 Europeans died from influenza during 1918. Males were more susceptible to the disease than females, and those of adult years were most severely affected. Maoris were exceptionally liable to attack by influenza in the more fatal forms, 1130 dying out of 6600 attacked.