Unremitting Precautions Against Spread Of Disease Necessary

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 17, 30 January 1948, Page 5

Unremitting Precautions Against Spread Of Disease Necessary

With official confirmation of a report that there is a positive case of infantile paralysis in the District Hospital, it seems timely to call attention again to the need for unremitting precautions against the spread of the disease. It will be • recalled that early in December the District Health Inspector issued a warning against the attendance of children at public gatherings. He also advised against children’s parties and all congregating of young people. Particular care, he said, should be taken as regards swimming, and three places to avoid were: (1) The Whakatane River, particularly near the old town wharf at the back of the Road Services buildings. (2) The Heads. (3) The Matata Lagoon. Throughout the epidemic, the danger from flies and accumulations of waste that attract flies, has been stressed. It cannot be stressed too strongly, because the weight of scientific evidence does seem to have established that the fly is one of the prime carriers. 'Scrupulous cleanliness, particularly in regard to the preparation and handling of food, should be observed at all times. Going through a mass of data on "the subject that has been published by this and other newspapers since the epidemic began, one finds these the. precautions recommended by most authorities: 1. Avoid congregating, particularly gatherings of children and young people. 2. Avoid overtiring and extreme fatigue from strenuous exercises. * 3. Avoid sudden chilling, such - as would come from plunging into extremely cold water on' a very hot day. 4. Pay meticulous attention to personal cleanliness, such as thorough hand-washing before meals. 5. Use the purest milk and water available. Keep flies away from food. 6. Be careful where you swim. 7. Maintain community sanitation at a high level at all times. That list sums up what has been •said on the subject by international •experts. To heed their warnings i« only common sense. , Local organisations have adopted a praiseworthy attitude throughout, putting the welfare of the community and the safety of the children above any other considerations, in some cases at considerable sacrifice. Their continued co-operation in the precautions can be counted on, and it is confidently hoped that every ■citizen will follow their example and regard the strict observance of any restrictions as a personal responsibility and a civic duty.