INFLUENZA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3613, 12 June 1923, Page 28

INFLUENZA.

OUTBREAK IN AUSTRALIA. MELBOURNE, June 6. An epidemic of pneumonic-influenza has broken out in the city. So far four deaths have been reported. June 7. It is now stated that there are 13 cases of pneumonic influenza in hospital in Melbourne. The medical authorities gravely view the position, but are most guarded in their statements in order to avoid creating a scare. June 8. Six more cases of pneumonic influenza have been admitted to the Melbourne Hospital. SYDNEY, June 7. Influenza of a mild type is prevalent in Sydney and Melbourne. The medical authorities deprecate tile alarmist statements regarding the influenza epidemic, and declai-e that it is the ordinary type usually prevalent in the winter. In some cases pneumonia has intervened, but no cases of a pneumonic character have been officially reported. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES. WELLINGTON, Juno 9. In reply to inquiries by Mr P. Fraser, M.P., as to what precautionary steps the Health Department is taking to prevent the introduction into this dominion of pneumonic influenza, which is now apparently spreading in Australia, Dr T. H. A. Valin tine (Director-general of Health) to-day said that the department had the matter weli in hand. He was in communication with the health authorities in Australia, and was being kept advised as to the situation there. Instructions had been given to the port medical officers throughout the dominion to take the greatest possible precautions when they are examining ships arriving from Australian ports. In addition to the usual examination, definite orders had been given for all passengers and crews of such ships to be submitted to special tests regarding temperature and other symptoms of actual or incipient influenza. An assurance was given that everything humanly possible was being done to prevent any outbreak in New Zealand.