INFANTILE PARALYSIS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 16, 19 January 1946, Page 5

INFANTILE PARALYSIS

OUTBREAK IN THE SOUTH RESTRICTIONS ON CHILDREN UNDER 16 (P.A.) Dunedin, Jan. 19. Ten cases of infantile paralysis have been notified in the Otago health district since the beginning of November. Five of these cases were notified this week, the most recent notification being made to-day.

While it is emphasised that there is no cause for serious alarm at the situation, the Minister of Health, Mr. Nordmeyer, as a precautionary measure, has authorised the Medical Officer of Health for Otago (Dr. G. O. L. Dempster) to exercise powers under Section 76 of the Health Act by taking the necessary steps to prohibit congregation of children under the age of 16 years at all public places of entertainment, public gatherings, both indoors and outdoors, and Sundays schools. A further restriction will prohibit children from travelling by public conveyance outside the Otago and Southland health districts. In a statement to-night. Dr. Dempster said, that the ban will apply to such resorts as sports gatherings, picture theatre, and baths. The restrictions will apply until further notice.

No deaths have resulted among the 10 cases notified in the Otago district since November, and in four instances there is no residual paralysis at present Similar restrictions to those to be enforced in Otago will bo applied in the Southland district, by Dr. K. J. H. Davies, Medical Officer of Heal*Ti for Southland.

TWO CASES IN SOUTHLAND

(P.A.) Invercargill, Jan. 18. “Two cases of infantile paralysis have recently been reported in the Southland health district, and there are indications that the disease is about to become an epidemic in this area,” said the District Medical Officer of Health, Dr. K. J. H. Davies, to-night He earnestly requested the public to co-operate with the department In an endeavour to limit the spread of infection.

It is expected the Munster of Health will authorise the taking of Xurther steps shortly.