ILLNESS IN CITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23320, 13 April 1939, Page 10

ILLNESS IN CITY

INFLUENCE OF WEATHER GASTRIC INFLUENZA CASES ATTACKS OF CHICKEN POX Illnesses of several types are more than usually prevalent in the city and suburbs at the present time. Ordinary colds are fairly numerous, gastric influenza is reported in most districts, and in some localities chicken pox in a mild form is attacking children. Gastric influenza has been prevalent for the past three or four weeks and has attacked young and old. While many people are still affected, doctors consider that a slight improvement in the position has occurred during the past few days. The attacks have been notable for their suddenness, and people are advised to go to bed at the first sign of the illness. A city doctor said yesterday that the outbreak could probably be attributed to the effects of the prolonged dry spell. While the warm, sunny weather ' was in other respects advantageous; oa health, it had also resulted in an increase in the number of influenza germs. There had also been more flies than usual which would act as carriers of the infection. Cases of chicken pox have been reported among children in Remuera and adjacent districts. While the attacks have not been very serious, attendances at several schools have been slightly affected.