OUTBREAK OF TYPHOID.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20385, 14 October 1929, Page 12

OUTBREAK OF TYPHOID.

CASES IN CHRISTCHURCH.

INVESTIGATION OF OYSTERS.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] CHRIBTCHURCH. Saturday.

"Never in my experience havo there been so many cases of typhoid fever in the Christchurch Hospital," said Dr. A. B. Pearson, pathologist at tho hospital, this morning. "I cannot remember more than three at tho same time before, and at present there are six definite casei.''

Dr. Pearson explained that the present outbreak presented serious features. "Previously when two or three cases have come in they have generally originated in some country district, and have originated from contact with tho first case. The cases at present appear to have no relation at all, and havo arisen independently,'' The pathological department began an analysis to-day of oysters which have been suggested as a cause of the outbreak, but there will be no definite pronouncement for five or six days. Dr. Pearson is of the opinion that if the infection has arisen from oysters it is highly improbable that all tho beds are infected, but perhaps ono bed may have been tainted.

"We may get nothing from our search," said Dr. Pearson, "bccauso incubation takes from 12 to 18 days, and tho infected oysters may now havo disappeared. Wo are testing oysters merely because that class of food is frequently the cause of tho diseaso in other countries.

» "Tho experience of the army medical authorities during the war showed that typhoid could bo perfectly controlled by vaccination,*' said Dr. Pearson. "The whole of the pathological staff at the hospital, numbering 11, were vaccinated this morning. Vaccination I consider is highly desirable."

The medical officor of health, Dr. T. Fletcher Telford, reported to-day that there were no more cases of typhoid beyond tho six that have been already reported in tho metropolitan area. He refused to say where tho six cases had occurred beyond tho fact that they wore in the metropolitan area which embraces Lyttelton and Kaiapoi.