MANUKA'S INFLUENZA CASES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 230, 23 June 1919, Page 4

MANUKA'S INFLUENZA CASES

POSITION MUCH IMPROVED. By ToleeraDh—Press Association. Auckland, ifune 22. A very much improved position is reported in connection with the influenza cases brought to Auckland' by the steamer Manuka. When the ship went to tho, quarantine anchorage on Friday evening the port health officers came to the conclusion that there were 25 patients who wero definitely suffering front illness. Arrangements were then made for tho sick peoplo, and as many of the passengors and crew as was deemed desirable to be taken ashore on Saturday. On account of the rougn weather, thero being heavy rain and n considerable Boa in (he harbour, it was decided to keep the patients and passengere on board until to-day in the hope of tho weather improving. This arrangement proved to lie the best possible, as the weather conditions Juki considerably moderated when Hie first boat-load nt patients went aehore. The most satisfactory feature was that tho number of actual patients had <livcreased to nine—six men and three, women, and they have the disease in a mild form only. The medical officers found that tho remaining 1<! cases, who comprised mostly stewards, had recovered sufficiently to be discharged, lin-vim; had the illness in a very mild form in tho first instance, and they hovn resumed theip duties. Regarding the passengers, 115 were landed todny, and it is hopp'l lo reguwt the whole- of the passengers from , tho ship ta-morroiv. When f.lm passengers went ashore their new quarters were pointed out to them, and Ihey vrere informed by tho medical authorities that if they preferred they could go into tents, because, if they went into buildings and a single case of influenza developed it might be necessary to class the wholo number as contacts, whereas if they wont into tents this possibility would bo l«ss likely to occur' with the consequence that their release from quarantine might bo facilitated. About 50 per cent, of the passengers chose to go' under canvas.