INFANTILE PARALYSIS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2730, 27 March 1916, Page 6

INFANTILE PARALYSIS

A FEW HINTS FOR PARENTS

FROM DEPARTMENTAL BULLETINS

A memorandum issued to the Health Department's' inspectors oil the subject of infantile paralysis has this passage: "Tho incubation period is approximate* ly six days, and the infectivity of contacts may be placed roughly at about three weeks. _ The symptoms are not characteristic in tho early stages. There is lisualy a general feeling of' illness, headache, vomiting, high temperature, luid possibly convulsions, stiffness of the neck, and tremor or the muscles ociurs not infrequently. Paralysis follows within a day or so, aud this may affect any muscle, but usually those of the arms' and legs are affected. Within a week the constitutional symptoms disappear, and the paralysis of tho limbs may improve to a certain extent."

"Summer sickness" (the gastroenteritis which has been very prevalent during this summer) may announce itself by "a general feeling of illness, headache, vomiting, high temperature." Thus a parent, with previous experience of this trouble, may not Buspect, at first, any more serious ailment. There may be delay in summoning the doctor, and thus extremely important time is lost. "Better to be sure (and quick) than sorry," is the homely, advice in these cases. Children Should Not be Kissed on the Mouth. . As the mysterious germ of infantile paralysis is believed to entec the systern by the mucous membrane of tiia nose and mouth, as well as _ by the "short cut" of an insect's bite, medical men strongly advise that children should not be kissed, on the mouth by anybody. Many a child has paid dearly for this kind of a kiss, bv which tuberculosis and other deadly diseases may be transmitted. The common cold Is often passed 1 on from one child to another by the kiss. Certain antiseptic sprays or gargles for the nose and throat are used in the treatment of infantile paralysis, and as a preventive. Danger From "Contacts." Persons who have been in contact nith patients are expected to be in quarantine for at least three, weeks, but here the public is largely at the mercy of a "contact's" conscience. The law has penalties, in certain «ircumstances, for persons suffering from a "notifiable" infectious disease, or recovering from one, if they expose the public to infection in such places as a theatre, a tram, or a railway carriage, but no punishment is provided for "contacts" who may use public vehicles. Consequently the parents or other guardians of children are advised to Keep them out of crowded places where car* riers of the germs of infantile paralysis may pass them on. General Advloe. It is a case of. war against dust, dirt, and certain biting insects (either winged or wingless). Children should be safeguarded as far as practicable against chill, but they should not be "molly-coddled"; they need plenty of clean, fresh air, which is, of course,, best obtained oat of doors.

Domestic animals, particularly dogs and cats, which commonly prowl about in unhealthy places, may carry germs of a number of dangerous diseases, including infantile paralysis. Cases of unusual sickness among such animals should be reported promptly to Dr. Reakea /Director of the. Live Stock Dieision of the Agricultural Department) or to any officer of the Health Depart, ment.

TOTAL OF 414 CASES IN AUCKLAND.

By Telegranli—Press Association.. Auckland, March 26. i Two canes of infantile paralysis were teported on Saturday, one from the city'and one from the country. The total cases in the Auckland Health District is now 414.

The most effective safeguard against Infantile Paralysis is the Guaranteed Disinfectant, KEROL. Use it everywhere in your home. No germs can livo near KEROL. Non-poisonous. British made.. -Advt.