TOLL OF DISEASE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25276, 13 July 1943, Page 5

TOLL OF DISEASE

PUBLIC HEALTH REPORT Reference to the widespread outbreak of cerebro-spinal fever in 1942 is contained in the annual report of the Department of Health, which says that the introduction of sulphapyradine and allied drugs has robbed this disease of much of its former terror. Cerebro-spinal fever has been notifiable in New Zealand since 1907, but first came into prominence during the 1914-18 war, says the report. In the period 1915-1919, 517 cases were notified. Thereafter the incidence of the disease gradually declined till in 1935 only 12 (10 European, two Maori) cases were notified. Since then the yearly European and Maori notifications have been: 1936, European 12. Maori 4: 1937. 13 and 5; 1938, 24, aid 2: 1939, 22 and 3: 1940, IP and 1; 1941, 163 and 47; 1942, 852 and 80.

The epidemic of 1942 was the greatest New Zealand has had. The total number of cases was 932 (European 852, Maori 80), while the deaths were 117 (European 111, Maori 6), giving casemortality rates of 13 per cent, and 7.5 per cent, respectively, or a rate of 12.6 without distinction pf race. Diphtheria cases notified last year totalled 542. compared with 383 in 1942. The report states that the department is continuing steadily with its campaign of immunisation. This method of*protection has stood the test of time, and there is now world-wide agreement as to its efficacy and safety, the report continues. Deaths from tuberculosis (all forms) were CO7, compared with 597 in 1941. A more active campaign against tuberculosis is foreshadowed by the setting up of a special division dealing with this disease and bv the appointment of Dr C. A. Taylor as the director of the division.