EPIDEMIC INCREASING AT LYTTELTON

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 43, 15 November 1918, Page 6

EPIDEMIC INCREASING AT LYTTELTON

SEVERAL MORE DEATHS IN CHRISTCHURCH. Br Telegraph — Frees Association. Christchurch, November M. In consequence of the influenza epidemic practically the whole business and social life of the community is at a standstill. Tho epidemic is gradually increasing amongst the shipping at Lyttelton. A second member of the crew of a big steamer is dead. ;The.ro were several moro deaths at Christchurch Hospital to-day. At n representative open-air meeting to-day the citv and suburbs were mapped out into blocks, and arrangements made for assisting the sick. Medicine depots are also to be established. PRECAUTIONARY STEPS AT TIMARU By Telegraph—Frees Association Timaru, November 14. The influenza epidemic has gripped Timaru. A public meeting, presided over by the Mayor, at which all the local dwtors were present, was held to-day, and measures taken to combat the disease, and voluntary workers were organised to assist stricken householders. A circular Ims been issued, on the advice of all ths local medical men, recommending precautions to be taken. These include advice to avoid applying to the nose an.l throat disinfectants that inflame thu parts and increase the denger of infection. < . There are eight cases in Timaru Hospital. An inhalation chamber has been established in the town. It has been decided to ask the Government to immediately clt.se all hotel bara. THE POSITION IN 'SOUTHLAND. By Tcleffraph.-Prces Association. Invcrcargill, November-14. Influenza is prevalent. Many inmates of the reformatory and the prison arc down, and six nurses at the Hospital A publie meeting was held to-nignt to arrange precautionary measures. _. Some country districts are badly affected. Two country papers have ceased publication, all the staffs being down. Places .of amusements are closed, ami race meetings are prohibited. A HUNDRED CASES~AT WOODVILLB By Telegraph—Press Association. Woodville, November 14. Over one hundred cases of influenza aro reported. OPINION OF DR. CHAMPTAOT "BACILLUS NOTTHAT OF TRUE INFLUENZA." Dunedin, November 14. ' Three deaths from influenza occurred at tho hospital to-day. . Dr. Champcaloup, professor of Bacteriology and Government' Bacteriologist, expre°sses n definite opinion that tlie present outbreak in New Zealand is a form of influenza. Tlw bacillus, however, is not that of true influenza. Another group of micro-organisms, almost universally present throughout the world, were responsible for the influenza-like symptoms and supervening pneumonia.