"VERY OMINOUS”

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 64, Issue 4534, 9 February 1942, Page 6

"VERY OMINOUS”

VENEREAL DISEASE IN NEW ZEALAND ALARMING INCREASE “ In the early months of 1940,” it i'l stated in an editorial article in the New Zealand Medical Journal, “ there occurred in Wellington an ominous increase of cases of primary and secondary syphilis. This increased incidence is now apparent in other parts of the Dominion, and the returns from Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch show a disturbing number of cases among our civilian population.” Statistics of clinic treatments in Auckland and Wellington are quoted, and the editorial goes on: “These figures do not include cases from the forces or from the mercantile marine, and no more than hint at what is rapidly becoming an alarming situation. Recognition of this by the authorities is reflected in a legislative amendment, passed last year, and regulations designed t 6 produce more adequate control of persons suffering from venereal diseases. These legislative steps are important and fiecessary; they fall, however, far short of the simple expedient of compulsory notification which many authorities believe to be an essential condition for the elimination of venereal disease.” The editorial declares that the medical profession has a great responsibility in the control of these diseases, and concludes- “ If the present serious situation is to be met with success an aggressive public health programme must be supported by the active co-operation of the practising profession. The four cardinal principles in eliminating syphilis are edu T cation, case-finding, treatment, and case-holding. A marked reduction in the incidence of syphilis is entirely possible in New Zealand, and is an important consideration in national ' defence measures.”