THE NEW DISEASE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11855, 11 June 1919, Page 5

THE NEW DISEASE.

Per Press Association. Anckalnd, June 10. The new disease, lethargic encephalitis, was referred to by G ie *Jinister for Health to-day. “This disease,” said tlie Hon. Russell, “is clearly part of the aftermath of the influenza epidemic. Every case is now being carefully watched by the Department. I am glad to be able to state that infect • ivity of ‘the disease is low, but at the same time it is a serious disease, as it : practically means laying the patient aside for at least six months. The disease bears some resemblance to phases of cerebro-spinal meningitis, but now that it has been definitely diagnosed, health officers are reporting on every case. As the disease has been made reportable, I should not be surprised if the immediate effect will be to show more cases existing than we were previously aware of. That may give the impression that the disease is spreading, whereas it will rfeally be the effect of ordering all cases to be at once reported to the Department, which, of course, enables the Health- officers to see that every precaution is taken against spread.