ON THE WANE

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 1, 16 January 1937, Page 6

ON THE WANE

-Preaa Association.)

Paralysis Epidemic In Otago ONE SUSPECT YESTERDAY

(By Telesraph-

DUNEDIN, Jan. 15. The gradual improvement in the epidemic of infantile paralysis which has been apparent during the past week was continued to-day, only one doubtful case being admitted. The patient was a girl aged five years from Maclaggan street. The total number of notified cases since the begirining of the epidemic is now 124, and in 33 cases paralysis in varying degrees wfis evident. The Medical Oificer of Health, Dr. McKibbin, stated that since December 28, when the peak of the epidemic appeared to have been reached, there had been a steady decrease in the number of cases. This had been particularly notieeable during the past week, when fewer cases had been admitted, and there was also a lessening in the severity of the affection. He added, however, that it was impossible to give any indication of what the future progress of the epidemic might be. Notification was given to-day by the Department of Health that school, dental clinics in Otago and Southland which were to have been re-opened on January 19, would remain closed till further notice.. The training centre in Wellington for girls would ; also remain closed. • A suspected case of infantile paralysis was- notified from tbe Balclutha district to-day. The, patient, a sirtall boy, was removed to the Balclutha Hospital. This is the second case in South Otago, a man of 20 -having been admitted o» Tuesday.