INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 November 1918, Page 4

INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.

[per PRESS ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT.] PALMERSTON NORTH, Nov 5. There is ian epidemic of influenza at Palmerston North. The number of patients is steadily increasing. In addition to large numbers of sufferers at i Awapuni Camp many persons employed in business establishments in town are I affected with the disease, which is evi- 1 dently of a virulent type. SITUATION AT AUCKLAND. Auckland, Nov 5 Influenza to-day accounted for at least 16 more deaths There are 65 hospital nurses down with the disease, filling two wards. There are 40 soldiers in an annexe ■ affected. There were 615 applications today for medical assistance. Yesterday 30 serious cases were admitted to the hospital. The extremely serious nature o 1 the epidemic has been impressed upon the Minister for Public Health so forcibly that, instead of returning to Wellington to-night he decided to remain here until all the arrangements for fighting the disease are in hand. Interviewed, the Minister said: « in view of the very serious nature of tne position, I have communicated with the Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, urging the provision of an increase to the fullest extent of medical men. Beyond the ten already sent and promised, three doctors have arrived, with Dr Frengley (Chief Health Officer). Two others were relieved in Auckland by the Defence Department. Now the examination of recruits in the North Island has been stopped thus releasing four more. I am seeking the assistance ot further doctors, in addition to those ten, so that the people may receive treatment in their own homes in the early stages of the disease, and thus lessen the demands upon ihe hospital for accommodation alter the disease has developed to a serious stage.” The Minister of Defence lias also been requested to release all chemists in camp, and everj r effort is being made to obtain nurses in other parts of the North Island.” The Minister appeals lor more women to help the fighting loTces, and also to people with motor cars to carry food from the Women's National Reserve Rooms to the families in distress. Referring to the other steps taken, Mr Russell said they could not all he disclosed, until they had the approval ot the authorities at Wellington. The Chiet Health Officer, the District Health Officer, and himself, however, were unanimous as to the gravity of the position. PREVALENT AT WESTPORT. Westport, Nov 5 The trouble in regard to the Kaituua is still unsettled. The watersiders remain obdurate and have substantially resolved not to go near the boat unless the company guarantees against contagion from influenza. The crew of the steamer who are not down are intermingling with the community as if nothing occurred. Influenza is becoming prevalent among the citizens. PRECAUTIONS AT WELLINGTON. Wellington, Nov 5. The departure of the steamer Manuka from Wellington for Syduey has been postponed until 11 p.m. 011 Friday next. Intending passengers are notified that, in order to avoid quarantine on arrival in Australia, they must go through the Inhalation Chamber at Wellington three times, and must obtain a certificate from the Health Officer that they have done so. No passengers will be allowed to embark unless in possession of this certificate. The process can be gone through at Dunedin, Lyttelton, and Auckland. On this occasion, Wellington passengers must pass through the chamber once each on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week. Passengers from north and southjoining at Wellington, must pass through the chamber twice on Thursday and once on Friday. EPIDEMIC SPREADING. WELLINGTON, This Day. Tll view of the serious effect the influenza epidemic lias bad upon the Railway Department staff, a railway ofl&ial states it will probably be necessary to materially curtail both goods and passenger services in the North Isj land. Three hundred members of the running staff alone, are ill at present. The Pacific Cable steamer, Iris which has ben rapairing one of Cook Strait cables lias arrived in Wellington with Iff) members of the ship’s company down with influenza. Two developed acute pneumonia and were removed to the hospital. The Minister of Defence stated that in response to an appeal, ten doctors have gone to Auckland and three more would follow. He hoped also to release some dispensers at present in the camps.