DYSENTERY EPIDEMIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 640, 17 April 1929, Page 18

DYSENTERY EPIDEMIC

“VIRULENT BACILLI” NEW CASES NOTED For the first time in Auckland the bacillus dysenteriae or shiga has accounted tor an epidemic this summer, according to the report of Dr. W. Gilmour, director of the pathological department o£ the Auckland Hospital, in his report to the board yesterday. “Its appearance Is decidedly unwelcome, inasmuch as it is by far the most virulent of all dysentery bacilli,” said Dr. Gilmour. “An investigation has been commenced into the occurrence of cases of infection by the baccilus abortus. So far one case has been discovered, being the first, I believe, in New Zealand.” The medical superintendent, Dr. C. E. Maguire, in his annual report said dysentery had been noticed especially among children, and a portion of the children’s hospital had to be closed for a time on account of the disease, which was extremely contagious and virulent.

OUTBREAK AT WAIPU BROUGHT FROM NGARUAWAHIA Press Association GISBORNE, Tuesday. The Inspector of health has been notified of an outbreak of dysentery among the Maoris in the Waiapu district, as the result, it is believed, of the disease being brought from Ngaruawahia, where the recent big hui was held. The first victim was Makarini Ngata, eldest son of Sir Apirana Ngata, who died last week. Two other cases now reported from the district are stated to be of a similar nature.

CASES IN MANUKAU COUNCIL’S PRECAUTIONS Only three cases of dysentery, compared with a large number last month, were reported by the inspector at a meeting of the Manukau County Council yesterday. This decrease was largely due to thorough investigations and precautions. As the result of samples taken in conjunction with the Health Department, it was found that the East Tamaki stone quarry water was unfit for human consumption, Mr. Hall’s bore was doubtful, and the East Tamaki School water was contaminated. After investigation he was sure the water from the well at the quai*ry was the cause of the outbreak at East Tamaki, and he asked the council to erect a notice-board at the quarry warning people that the water was unfit for drinking or cooking purposes. It was decided to erect the noticeboard. The schoolmaster at East Tamaki had been notified to have the tanks cleaned and treated before the water was used for consumption by the children.