SMALLPOX EPIDEMIC (PARTICULARS RELATIVE TO THE).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1914 Session I, H-33

H.—33.

1914. NEW ZEALAND

SMALLPOX EPIDEMIC (PARTICULARS RELATIVE TO THE).

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives dated the 15th August, 1913. Ordered, " That there be laid before this House a return showing (1) the number and ages of Maoris afflicted by the alleged smallpox ; (2) the number of cases terminating fatally, age to be given in each case; (3) the number of Europeans afflicted, and the number of cases terminating fatally, age to be given in each case; (4) the number afflicted who have been vaccinated, and the number of deaths amongst vaccinated cases, to be shown separately ; and (5) the state of surroundings—hygienio or otherwise —where cases occurred." —(Mr. Atmore.)

Seti i:\ (1.) The Number and Ages of Maoris afflicted by the Alleged Smallpox. Many cases of suspicious or varioloid sickness were heard of in the Auckland Health District during June, 1913, but it was not until the 7th July that material was available for the tabulation of cases. On this account, and on account of the rapid spread of the disease among Natives in inaccessible places, it is impossible to make any accurate return. The number of cases notified from the 7th July, 1913, to the sth April last (the last date of notification) is 534. Of the 534 cases, 116 cases are believed to have been Europeans. (Note. —Names are no certain indication of race.) A careful approximate estimate is that 1,978 Maoris were affected. The ages of Maoris notified were not in every case obtainable, but dealing with the estimated number by placing them in classes in like proportions as to age as found among the notified cases as far as known, we get the following result : — Under 1 year ... ... ... ... ... 105 Ito 5 years ... ... ... ... ... 247 sto 10 years ... ... ... ... ... 254 10 to 20 years ... ... ... ... ... 356 20 to 30 years ... ... ... ... ... 464 30 to 45 years ... ... ... ... ... 325 45 to 60 years ... ... ... ... ... 177 Over 60 years ... ... ... ... ... 50 1,978 (2.) The Number of Gases terminating fatally, and Age in each Case. Fifty-five Maori cases are known to have terminated fatally. Taking the statements of Native schoolmasters, settlers, and medical practitioners as source of information, very few died under medical supervision—not more than ten. Deaths occurred a"t all ages. Perhaps more were elderly than otherwise; but Maori deaths not having been registered there is no means available for accurate information. Those dying under medical supervision were either young adults or elderly persons. (3.) The Number of Europeans afflicted, and the Number of Cases terminating fatally, with Age in each Case. One hundred and sixteen Europeans were afflicted. A number of European cases occurred before the nature of the disease was recognized, which were not notified. The ages are, approximately,— Under 1 year ... ... ... ... ... 6 Ito 5 years ... ... ... ..-. ... 13 sto 10 years ... ... ... ... ... 16 10 to 20 years ... ... ... ... ... 25 20 to 30 years ... ... ... ... ... 32 30 to 45 years ... ... ... ... ... 13 45 to 60 years ... ... ... ... ... 9 Over 60 years ... ... ... ... ... 2 116 Uncertainty as to- names being indicative of race affects this return. No European case terminated fatally.

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(4.) The Number afflicted who have bean vaccinated, and the Number of Deaths amongst Vaccinated Cases. Of the 116 Europeans afflicted none had been vaccinated. It is estimated that at least 85 per cent, of the Maoris were unvaecinated up to the date of the epidemic. So far as is known, no case occurred amongst vaccinated Natives unless vaccinated after the disease was in the incubation stage. (5.) The State of Surroundings — Hygienic or otherwise — where Cases occurred. The sanitary state of the surroundings did not appear to affect the severity of the epidemic. The Natives living in comfortable homes appeared to suffer as much as others. Jos. P. Frengley, 10th September, 1914. Acting Chief Health Officer.

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