A MYSTERIOUS DISEASE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16142, 21 February 1918, Page 2

A MYSTERIOUS DISEASE.

OUTBREAK IN NEW SOUTH WALES. CfROM OB OWN CORRESPONDENT.) SYDNEY, February 13. The letter "X" is the only name that, so far, has been given to a newdisease which has occurred in the north-west of New South Wales, r.nd which the Board of Health is investigating. It has been called "X ; ' until experiment and research have sufficientlv established its nature to _ enable it to be more appropriately indicated.

An officer in the Health Department indicated that while the disease was new in the sense that so far as medical records go, it has not been discovered in other countries, yet it was known to exist here some months ago. He added that there was not tho slightest cause for alarm. The number of cases was small—about half i'ie number of those of meningitis—ami the authorities were taking every precaution against the spread of the sickness, as well as experimenting thoroughly to discover the best means of treating patients. The disease, in its symptoms and results, closetv resembles cerebrospinal meningitis, although it differs pathologically. Neither is it as serious in its after-effects as infantile paralysis. It seems,' in a general way, to be allied with meningitis. The latter disease is present in many localities and. in the State, 19 newcases have been reported since the beginning of the year. Although this as less than in the corresponding period of !ast year, the Health Department is taking no chances, but is engaged 8 vigorous campaign to stamp "out the disease before the colder weather comes.

One difficulty arises with "X," how®v®r\. "X" is a mystery, and *___ i' ec .£ f° r argument among docS j .t» cen listed as an inthe rGKiiH D 4u not, '? able disease ' with control ovn e octors have 1,0 the usual n conta ?ts. and cannot take them. Thfs^ttV 10113 with rrj « ard to to be remedied al® matter - however, is •»«« iff J*®* st