BAY OF PLENTY BEACON Published Tuesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1947 INFANTILE PARALYSIS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 6, 12 December 1947, Page 4

BAY OF PLENTY BEACON Published Tuesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1947 INFANTILE PARALYSIS

From all the information that can be gathered,' Poliomyelitis (infantile paralysis) is something about which no one knows a great deal at. the present time. Its actual causes are in doubt. No effective treatment seems to have been found.

But it does appear to be clear that scrupulous cleanliness in all things is a factor in reducing its incidence.

Though there has been a slight increase in the number of cases reported over the last few days, the figures indicate that the outbreak is fairly well under control. The Health Department and medical profession are to be congratulated on the prompt handling of the situation. However, even though the first alarm has subsided somewhat, there should be no relaxing of precautions, and official statements in the past few days back up that view.

General cleanliness cannot be emphasised too strongly. It does seem fairly clear that the virus is present in excreta and nasal discharges of infected persons. And it is equally clear that not all infected persons show any signs of the disease. Therefore, flies must be combated at all costs. Handkerchiefs etc. should be disinfected and thoroughly washed. Food utensils should be boiled, and a small quantity of chloride of lime added to the washing water will be found a help in sterilising.

Great care and attention is necessary to the cleanliness of hands and nails when preparing or eating food. Toys, sweets, pencils, and articles commonly handled or placed in the mouth should not be shared by children. Sucking of the fingers, so common amongst youngsters, should be discouraged. _ - ' It has been said authoritatively that the washing of all fruit in a weak solution of permanganate of potash might help. Fruit is always open to contamination by flies.

There is a hint that travel from the North Island to the South Island might be restricted. That would appear to be a sound move. It might" be suggested also that a general restriction on travel might help. No doubt that has been considered by the Health authorities and will be done if it is considered necessary. The fact that it has not been found necessary so far seems to suggest that the epidemic danger is not regarded as really alarming yet. So far this part of the Bay of Plenty has been fortunate. There have been no cases suspected or reported here. If every member of.the public will observe strict precautions until all danger is definitely passed there is a good chance that none will develop here.