MENINGITIS MAY RECUR

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2734, 31 March 1916, Page 6

MENINGITIS MAY RECUR

A COLD WaDATHER WARNING.

"It is probable that a recurrence of the corebro-spinal meningitis outbreak will make itself felt in Victoria as soon as the cold comes," said the chairman of the Victorian Board of Public Health (Dr. Robertson) recently. "I do not say that there' will necessarily bo a recredesconce, but it is extremely probable, and everyone should know of the risk. I do not anticipate that the scourge will in any circumstances manifest itBelf in so virulent a form as last year, but a great deal will depend upon tho precautions taken to block it. So far as we aro concerned everything is being done to impress upon public bodies the seriousness of the situation, and we are ready to deal with any emergency, but neglect in any sphere may lead to endless, trouble and unhappiness. _ It is the duty of all municipal councils to take immediate steps to deal with cases that might occur. It is well to be ready for the probability, although it is just possible that if we are very careful a fresh outbreak will not come at all."

At present there are only a few cases under treatment in Victoria, and for the time being the trouble appears to be well in hand. While meningitis raged 434 civilians and 208 soldiers contracted the complaint, and 245'0f the patients died—a percentage, roughly, of 37.- . , The military authorities are fully seized of the risks that lie, ahead. In referring to the subject, tho principal medical officer (Lieut.-Ooloncl Ouscaden) said: "We arc ready to deal with oases expeditiously as thoy arise. -The great risk of a meningitis epidemic is 'overcrowding. This is somewhat difficult to overcome in a military camp, especially in these times of recruiting a largo army, but we have succeeded. In place of ten men being housed in a tent, not more than, eight are to be accommodated, and where circumstances permit it the maximum will be reduced to six. As soon as a man gives indications of having a cold, if his voice becomes hoarse, or if he complains of a sore throat, he will be immediately isolated until a bacteriological examination shows that there are no signs of incipient meningitis. _ Wo can afford to take no risks. Besides this, supplies of meningococcus serum are being manufactured at the Veterinary College for the army medical department, and largo reserves are being stored up for immediate use. Tho splitting up of camps will, of course, tend to keep any possible outbreak within, narrow limits. 1 '

I'he symptoms of meningitis are shiverings, fever, headache, and vomiting, with tho head drawn rigidly back, and often thero is a dark, measly rash. In adults the throat is usually swollen, with more or less coughing. Vaccination is n precaution, four or five injections, being necessary at' intervals of a week, the. operation being carried put with dead, gonna.