STRANGE MALADY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18234, 30 October 1922, Page 7

STRANGE MALADY.

ENCEPHALITIS LETHARGICA. OBSERVATIONS IN ENGLAND. [from our own correspondent.] LONDON. Sept. 5. A comprehensive report concerning encephalitis lethargica, prepared by Dr. Allen C. Parsons, of the Ministry of Health, has been published. It includes an analysis of over 1250 .reports on cases of this strange malady notified in England and Wales during 1919 and 1920, and is the fullest report yet issued by any nation dealing -with this new clinical, concept. The disease was first reported from Vienna in the winter of 1916-17, but in this country the first cases appeared in the spring of 1918. Dr. W. Harris reported that in London he had met no fewer than seven cases within a fortnight. In Sheffield Dr. A. J. Hall drew attention to a series presenting somewhat remarkable features. Immediately medical men realised that here was a new and strange disease. It was at first described as "sleeping sickness." A thorough and prompt investigation by the Local Government Board, aided by other medical bodies in this country, proved that it had nothing whatever to do with sleeping sickness. The latest report gives an extended inquiry, founded ; largely "on reports of' the "cases that have j been notified' since January 1, 1919. In 1919, 541 cases were notified; in 1920, 890; I and in 1921 this figure lose to 1470f There ! was a great decline during tho last winter. In the first six months of the year there were only 286, cases notified, compared with )1196 for the similar period last year. Sir. Qeorgfc' Newman, in hi* preface, states:'"There is some reason "to think, from - evidence collected since i 920, that the' disease: generally is asßU|[u»g a .milder and less.fatal form.' * _ ' > ; \. 4 ~> .■':*■

The disease has selected particularly I persons following sedentary occupations. As regards age incidence, the period 10 to 20 years has proved, to be the most susceptible. . Housewives and school .children between them contribute' 38.8 per cent, of the cases in which the occupation has been recorded. The means by which the infection is carried remains obscure; It is:suggested in the report that "housekeeping, which during the last few years has become a very difficult and disquieting occupation, is in itself a predisposing facto? in the case of a disease such as encephalitis lethargica."