SMALLPOX SCARE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 265, 9 November 1936, Page 8

SMALLPOX SCARE

PASSENGERS ON MATAROA UNPLEASANT RESULTS | Per Press Association) AUCKLAND, Nov. 8. A case of chickenpox which developed on board the Mataroa two days after leaving London had unpleasant results for all the passengers and crew r during the rest of the voyage to New' Zealand. It was thought the case might be one oi modified smallpox, and therefore the ship was kept in quarantine at Curacao and Jamaica, while nearly all on board were vaccinated. Seven pas sengers refused to be vaccinated and three were not treated for health reasons. The disease did not spread, but the small daughter of the patient developed a mild attack of chickenpox and remained in quarantine on board for the rest of the voyage. Many of the passengers were violently ill for several days after vaccination, and had to remains in their cabins. Some had symptoms similiar to influenza, and others were more seriously affected. with serious inflammation and swelling near the wound and high temnerarure. • The Mataroa remained in the stream for nearly two hours after her arrival on Saturday afternoon, while the medical officer of health. Dr. Hughes, the port health office*. Dr. Graham Russell and Dr. R. H. McGill examined the patients and inSince the incubation period for suspected all the passengers and crew, nected smallnox had elapsed and the inspection was satisfactorv, the e hin was given a clean bill of health. The patient was removed to the i«olat ; on ward of the Auckland Hospital for observation, while the smaH girl and h«r mother, who had staved with her, we-'' re’eased from ouarantine. The nassengers who refv.«ed to be vaccinated have been asked to report *o the health authorities. Necessary have been taken with in fected and baggage.