INCREASE IN DIPHTHERIA

Taranaki Daily News, 3 June 1933, Page 9

INCREASE IN DIPHTHERIA

NOTIFIABLE DISEASES..

HEALTH OFFICER’S MAY RETURN.

An increase of 44 cases of diphtheria over- those for the corresponding period last year is- the main feature of the report of the ’ district officer of health for Taranaki,; Dr. M. Champtaloup. The total’ number, of diphtheria cases since the commencement: of the year is 68, only 24 having, occurred jin the same period last year. For May, V 1933, there were 21 cases reported as compared with 17 for May, 1932. There was an increase of five oyer last month’s figures. Four j cases of scarlet fever had been notified” for the month, this being the same of last year. Two. cases of tuberculosis marked an increase of one over the numbers for May last year. Other returns for the month are (the figures for May, 1932, in parentheses): Acute poliomyelitis, 1 (0);. lethargic encephalitis, 2 (2). There had been six cases of lethargic encephalitis in April, but the disease seems to have been in scattered cases and in no way suggestive of an epidemic. This was the season when diphtheria might be expected, commented Dr., Champtaloup, but a great deal could be done to prevent the spread of the disease. Children should be instructed to refrain from using any article in common use by other children, especially handkerchiefs, pencils, towels, cups or whistles,; The habit of placing :the mouth in con--tact with a tap or /bubble, fountain ini drinking was a probable-means of spread; of infection. ■>: (j;