SICKNESS IN CAMPS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2874, 12 September 1916, Page 6

SICKNESS IN CAMPS

ANOTHER DEATH REPORTED PRECAUTIONS AGAINST MENINGITIS 'Another death in a military hospital was reported yesterday. Private Thomas King, J Company, 20th Reinforcements, died'in tlio Fcatherston Hospital on-Sunday morning, tho cause of death being cerebro-spinal meningitis. The patient had been ill for some days. Four cases of cerebro-spinal meningitis arc now under treatment in tho Featherston Hospital. Of tho two cases previously reported, one is better, and the other, previously stated to bo a suspect, is now reported to be suffering from tho complaint in a mild form. Two fresh cases have been admitted, a mild case from the Mounted Rifles at Papawai, and a serious ease from the 20th Infantry. The soldier previously reported to he seriously ill with cerebro-spinal meningitis at Trenth'am Camp is still, improving. The two suspected cases have not developed any severe symptoms. A third suspected case has been drawu from tho 17th Reinforcements.

Statement by General Henderson. Some of tho precautions that are being taken to check the spread of cerebrospinal meningitis at tho military camps were described to a Domwion reporter yesterday by General Henderson, the Director of Medical Services. Bacteriological examinations are being mad» of aid (mem whoso health there is the least suspicion, and the system of examination is being extended, with tho object of covering tho whole of the troops. The medical authorities are anxious to detect sufferers in the very early stage of the disease, when treatment is compara'rfveiy easy and efficacious, and -they are sparing no effort; to detect any "carriers" who may bo present in the camps. Just how cerebro-spinal meningitis spreads is not known clearly at the present time, and a study of the cases in tho New Zealand camps has not thrown very much light upon tho subject. It iras not been possible to trace any connection between the various cases, or to detect any particular source of infection. There has been no evidence of direct contact between any two of the cases. The patients liavo been drawn from different units, and they have not occupied the same hutments. Tho latest methods of treatment, as recommended by the Imperial Army arc being adopted by the New Zealand medical service. General Henderson mentioned that he had arranged for the establishment of "inhaling rooms," where men suffering from influenza and sore throats may be subjected to an antiseptic treatment in tho form of a steam spray. This method of direct application is reported to have given good results elsewhere. All the men of tho 17th Reinforcements are being examined gradually, audsthe men of other units now in camp will be taken in hand as quickly as the medical officers are ablo to undertake the work. Experienco has shown that cerebro-spinal meningitis resembles influenza in its early stage—possibly it develops from tho influenza—mid it is hoped that the carefid treatment of. every case of influenza will check the more (.erious complaint.

No Effort Being Spared. "The people of Now Zealand may be assured that we aro sparing no effort to prevent the spread of cerebro-spinal meningitis," said General Henderson. "Tho discaso is not peculiar to New Zealand military camps." It has made its appearauce in military camps in many parts of tho i Empire, and the investigation of its symptoms and origin is still proceeding. ' But wo aro using our best efforts, in consultation with the high medical authorities at tho War Office, to keep the troublo in check, and the number of cases already reported is comparatively small. I do not think there is any need for public alarm'on tho subject."