CALL FOR COMMUNITY CO OPERATION

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20607, 22 December 1936, Page 8

CALL FOR COMMUNITY CO OPERATION

In face of the danger of the spread of the outbreak of infantile paralysis, it is scarcely necessary, we are sure, for us to stress the importance of parents of children doing their utmost to co operate witli the health authorities in instituting preventive measures in the hope of checking the spread of the disease. It is realised, of course, that the Department of Health, can issue voluminous instructions, and health inspectors can observe the closest vigilance, and even the law may threaten dire penalties, but all would avail little without the co-operation of the parents. It should not be necessary, therefore, to threaten severe penalties in the event of breaches of the law. The public health officials cau of course issue readily understandable instructions and seek to reimpose official instructions by appeals to the people to play their part, but unless the parents will follow the lead of the officials the chances of checking the outbreak are not very bright. The danger of an outbreak is so pressing that the Health Department is doing its utmost to meet the menace and it relies on the good sense of parents and the obedience of the children to render every possible service in combatting the outbreak. Various “do’s” and “don’ts” for children were mentioned by officers of the Health Department at Auckland when precautionary measures were being discussed. Among them were: 1. Play naturally in the open air. 2. Avoid over-fatigue. 3. Avoid over-heated conditions. 4. Don’t splutter in anybody’s face. 5. Keep hats on. In elaboration of this tabulated advice, it was explained that infantile paralysis is a “spluttery” disease. It is therefore essential to avoid laughing into anybody’s face. Adults are just as likely to be carriers of the disease as children. It is wise to allow children to play naturally in the open air, provided that they are not congregated in large numbers. Obviously the position does not justify alarm. The Health authorities are doing their utmost to prevent the spread of the disease, but it remains to be said that parents of children, can, on their part, render invaluable service’ by conscientiously and willingly playing their part in the precautionary measures now considered necessary in face of the danger of the spread of the disease.