INFANTILE PARALYSIS

Waipa Post, Volume XXIV, Issue 1607, 14 February 1925, Page 5

INFANTILE PARALYSIS

SO FURTHER CASES IN AUCKLAND.

(By Telegraph. Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Friday. For the first time since the beginning of the year Auckland health district has had a clean sheet for 24 hours, so far as fresh cases of infantile paralysis are concerned. This satisfactory state of affairs was recorded to-day, and was further improved by the announcement that three cases already notified have proved not to be paralysis on further diagnosis. Altogether there are twelve cases to be deducted from the list of 143 patients. Dr. H. Chesson, the Medical Officer for the Northern area has issued telegraphic instructions to the secretary of the Waipapakauri Racing Club pointing out that in to-morrow’s meeting apprentice jockeys under 16 years must not be allowed on the racecourse. Similar advice has been sent to Rotorua by Dr. Hughes. A circular letter to the various clubs states: “I have to inform you that, jockeys under the age of 16 years come within the order under section 76 of the Health Act, 1920, January 16th, 1925, prohibiting the attendance of children under the age of 16 at racecourses. The Department intends to enforce this strictly. The responsibility rests with you to see that the order is carried out.” Discussing the matter, Dr Chesson said there was really no necessity to send out the circular, for the order had been issued long ago. A question, however, had been raised, and inorder to dispel any doubt about the matter it had been deemed advisable to notify all. the racing clubs.

CHILDREN’S PARTIES.

AUCKLAND, Friday.

The inadvisability of holding any kind of children’s gatherings was emphasised by Dr. Chesson, one of the medical officers in the Auckland health area, when interviewed to-day. “At the present time,” said the doctor, “it is most unwise for any private family to entertain in their homes the children of other families. To do so in any form might be the means of spreading this dread disease amongst the children of their most intimate friends. If such a catastrophe occurred the promoter of the party would be in an unenviable position.” It appears that despite the obvious danger of such a proceeding, one or two children’s parties have taken place in suburban homes recently, and the authorities are anxious to put an entire stop to such gatherings.

PARALYSIS AMONG CATTLE.

SOUTHERN HERD AFFECTED.

MASTERTON, Friday,

A form of infantile paralysis was reported a few days ago to be affecting calves in the Auckland district. At Greytown two or three cows on Mr E. B. Eagle’s farm are apparently suffering from the disease. To all appearances the cows, grade Jersey animals, are in good health. Practically without warning a hindleg stiffens, then the other hind leg is attacked, and the animal is rendered practically helpless. One beast has died, and another is rather seriously affected. It is stated that pigs at Kokatau are similarly affected.

DOMINION NOTIFICATIONS.

TWENTY-THREE IN 24 HOURS

WELLINGTON, Friday.

The following notifications of infantile paralysis cases have been received for 24 hours ending 9 o’clock today: Hamilton 1. Thames 1, Wellington City 3, Belmont 1, Stratford 1, Hawera 1, Wanganui 3 Levin 2, Shannon 2, Castlepoint 1 Blenheim 3, Christchurch 2, Ashburton 1, Paeroa 1. Total 23.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES OUTLINED.

The following measures are emphasised as being measures which are recommended to be 'taken by local bodies in all parts of the district where same are applicable and are forwarded for the guidance of health inspectors:— General inspection of premises re cleanliness.

Prevention especially of fly nuisance and proper - disinfection and flushing out of theatres. Protection of foodstuffs in shops from flies. Cleaning up week.

All gaibage and refuse should he kept in covered receptacles and regularly removed. Privies should be screened against flies and kerosene added to pan. Stables require to be carefully supervised and manure placed in closed receptacles and removed at short’ intervals. Manure should be sprayed with kerosene or other fly preventive pending its removal. Exjectoration in public places should be prevented. All public buildings should be thoroughly cleansed at regular intervals by moist method or vacuum. Dry sweeping should be prevented. Public vehicles should be cleansed and disinfected regularly. Use of common drinking cups should be abolished.

Overcrowding in public vehicles and public buildings should he prevented.^