THE SMALLPOX OUTBREAK

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2773, 17 May 1916, Page 6

THE SMALLPOX OUTBREAK

ANOTHER. SUSPECTED CASE ON WILLOCHRA. By Teloeraph-Press Association. Dunedin, May 17. Another suspected case of smallpox was under. observation on the Willochra today. All the men have been removed to (Juarantine Island. QUARANTINING THE CREW. PRECAUTIONS AGAINST INFECTION The Minister of Public Health last night received a telegram from Dr. Vnlintine, Inspector-General of Hospitals, who is at Dunedin dealing with matters relating to the quarantining of the \Villoc'hra. Dr. Valintine states that the Union Company have arranged to provide a hulk for the crew of the Willochra; and the crow will he removed from the ship to-morrow, with the exception of the captain and the principal officers, who will remain on board to supervise tho repairs and renovations of the ship. There is no doubt that the Willochra will be ready by the due date for carrying the next draft of Reinforcements leaving Wellington.

Acting on instructions from the Minister, Dr. Valintiue has represented to the Union Company the necessity of ol>taiuing an entirely fresh crew for the ship, in order that there may be no possible danger of the disease breaking out amongst: the soldiers who will be forwarded by her.

Information has been received by the Minister of Public Health that it will be possible to have the Willochra disinfected and released from quarantine in time to proceed with the next draft of Reinforcements. In the course of a statement to the House yesterday, Mr. Russell gave an emphatic assurance that no risks would be taken endangtring tho safety of the troops to travel by the ship. Every precaution possible would be taken, and honourable members could bn assured that troops going to the front in the Willochra would be in no danger of infection.