INFLUENZA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17502, 19 December 1918, Page 5

INFLUENZA.

HOSPITAL CASES DECREASING.

Tho number of influenza cases in the Hospital at 2 p.m. .yesterday was reduction of 17 as compared with tho previous day.

Dr Bowie's hospital report at noon yeeterday was as follows: — Main Hospital—Dangerously ill, 7; seriously ill, 6; moderately ill, 32; convalescent, I;—total 46.

Kiiox Auxiliary—Moderately ill, 6; convalescent, 13:—total, 19. Baptist Auxiliary—Moderately ill, 2; convalescent, B;—total, 10. Thero have been no admissions of influenza cases to the Hospital during" "the past 24 hours, and no deaths have occurred during that period. The District Health Officer (Dγ Faris) received 11 notifications of pneumonio cases up to 9 a.m. yesterday—lo from tho Otago Hospital* District and one from Southland. These, however, included several cases which occurred several days ago, the notifications having been unavoklaibly delayed. SOUTHERN BUREAU. It is with a measure of regret that those in _ charge have to report to the public that this bureau has been closed, as, unfortunately, as the last motorist (Mr Eoy Sted'man) has been laid up with the sickness which he has been so strenuously lighting. Provision, however, is made to still cope with any serious cases. Those requiring assistance for such cases are advised to ring Mrs Lindon (telephone 3232), who will immediately attend to their need. A Request is made for tho return of all jars and dishes, so that all donors may receive their own, PALMERSTON. The malady has practically disappeared, only an isolated case or two being reported. The fine weather should help ,to clear the air, and should prove very welcome and beneficial to convalescents. THE MILITARY CAMPS. "(Peb United Pbess Association.) WELLINGTON, December 18. There are still 60 influenza cases in the military camps, nine being serious. SOUTH SEA. ISLANDS. HEAVY MORTALITY. (Peb Unitep Pekss Association.) AUCKLAND, December 18. A cable received by a Samoan resident visiting Auckland states that the estimated mortality from influenza in Upolu is 7000.

ANOTHER VESSEL QUARANTINED. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. SYDNEY, December 1& (Received Dec. 19, at 0.45 a.m.) Tho Wallsend arrived to-day from Greymouth, and was quarantined.

THE ORIGIN AND SPREAD OF THE

EPIDEMIC. TO THK EDITOB.

Sib, —With yoyr permission I should like to ask the following questions:—• ' 1. If influenza is only spread in this pandemic by contact and through) close confinement, how is it that it was rife in all sorts of out-of-the-way places at tho same time?

2. If it is communicable only from one human.being to another, what is the reason for fumigation? « 3. .If tho germs do not live long enough outside the mouth and nose of human beings hero to enable a vaccine to bo made, how is it that there are Vaccines in Australia?

4. Is it not probable, seeing that the epidemic is world-wide, that the powerful forces in the air may have something to do with its spread? 5. If it is spread only by contact, it must have a, place of origin and an originating cause. If so. where is this place and what is the cause?

6. If it is the same thing as la grippe, how is it that there are so much pneumonia and bronchitis co-existent with the present attack?

7. If it is called irflueaza. owing to the supposed influence of the stars, m an ignorant age, it is personally communicable only, yet pandemic and in lonely, almost isolated places at the same time, is it not evident that it is not fully understood yet, and may be theorised upon by anyone? 8. Is it not time that alcohol has proved itself so benefici.il that prohibitionists should beware lest at some future date we may find a, sudden shortage of stimulants, and that they may be t.-.ken off among trie rest —which would be calamitous in the extreme. —I am, etc..

Sttetonhts thk Seraphto.