RISK OF INFECTION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 11, 1 October 1943, Page 5

RISK OF INFECTION

SHELLFISH FROM RIVER

POSSIBILITY OF TYPHOID

Writing the Whakatane: County Council last Tuesday the Health Inspector, Mr P. A. Wallwork, exploded .something of a bombshell by stating that on investigating a case of typhoid fever it was found that the patient had. been eating shellfish. (pipi) taken from the Whakatane River. The Medical Officer of Health was of the opinion that the shellfish was the jjrobable cause of the infection and suggested that the shellfish arc unfit for human consumption on account of the pollution ol the river infecting them. I't was therefore requested that the Council consider the following recommendations ami if approved forward. to the Whakatane. Harbour Board for their favourable consideration:—-

(1) That the talcing of 'shell fish from the Whakatane River be prohibited. (2) That suitable notice boards bo erected in prominent positions on river banks. "This would be a very drastic action to take," said the chairman, Mr J. L. Burnett.. "It would cause tremendous feeling among the Maori people if we tried to enforce the suggestion." Cr Burt added that the Maoris for hundreds of years had been in the habit of taking the shellfish from the river and, regarded it as. their right. The whole matter would want the most careful - investigation before they were; stopped. Cr Cawte. said that the infection probably arose from the shellfish being 'kept too long and becoming tainted. "You are quite right,," agreed Cr Burt. "I have known of instances where Maoris have collccted pipis and mussels- at Ohiwa for a week and then started inland with them for places, like Galatea. When the3 r were finally cooked in the hangis, you couldn't get near the place. The Council decided that the Medical Officer be asked for further information -and also for an expression of opinion on the recommendation of the Council's Inspector of Health.