INFLUENZA OUTBREAK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19376, 10 July 1926, Page 12

INFLUENZA OUTBREAK.

MILD TYPE OF DISEASE. PNEUMONIC DEATH : RATE. NOT ABNORMALLY HEAVY. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] WELLINGTON. Friday. While it is important that those who contract influenza colds should avoid exposure to chill and, on behalf of their i'ellow citizens, stay away from crowded indoor gatherings, there are indications that although there is a great deal of influenza about, the type prevalent- is not so severe as that of 1923. Official figures show that during the epidemic of 1923, which affected principally the South Island, there occurred from July 1 to October 1 a weekly average throughout the Dominion of 16 deaths from influenzal pneumonia and eight from acute pneumonia, or a total weekly average of 24 deaths from pneumonic causes. More over, it may not be generally known that the Dominion weekly average of deaths from these two causes for the last five years has been four from influenzal pneumonia and eight from pneumonia, or a total weekly average of 12 from acute pneumonic' causes. That is to say, under normal circumstances, particularly during the winter months, those lung complaints take their toll from the people, particularly the aged and infants. From information derived from the Government bacteriological laboratories and medical officers of health, it has been known that influenzal of normal typo' has been prevalent throughout the Dominion for the last six ■ weeks or more, but, as already stated, the indications are that the type prevalent this year is not so severe as that of 1923. For example, this year from the week ending May 31 to that ending on Monday last the weekly average of deaths from these two causes notified to the Department of Health has not exceeded the Dominion average and has been much below that recorded during the epidemic months of 1923. AUCKLAND NOTIFICATIONS. FOUR MORE CASES YESTERDAY. Four cases of ■ influenza jp different parts of the Auckland province were notified to the Health Department yesterday. One case was reported from Devonport, in the North Auckland health district, one from Papakura, in the central district and one each from Hangatiki and Rotorua in the southern district. The total number of,.notifications for the month is now 21, but the majority of the cases are of a mild type and there is stated to He no cause for alarm.