INFLUENZA AT RUNUNGA

Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1920, Page 2

INFLUENZA AT RUNUNGA

LARGE NUMBER PF CASES. MEASURES OF RELIEF BEING TAKEN. The outbreak of influenza at Runanga seems to have been spreading. The residents have moved in the direction of further concerted action to cope with the outbreak. There are about 150 eases of influenza now at Runanga. Last night there were about one hundred of the miners laid up with the complaint. Fresh eases were yesterday evening being reported at short intervals. In a few instances there are whole families suffering from attacks. The Runanga citizens yesterday took steps to combat the outbreak, and assist those in need of help in the way of nursing or otherwise. The question, of sending patients to Gre.vm.outh has been discussed, but it has been .considered preferable to isolate the sufferers at Runanga. Many people have neglected to report cases. So far, it is understood, there have not been many cases symptomatic of pneumonia. The ailment attacks people very

suddenly, but as the sufferers have quickly gone to bed they have been able to get over the effects quickly. The lpines are working to.-dav, but if the outbreak does not abate, the question of closing them will need to be considered. Nearly all the top mine officials are sufferers at present. Yesterday the Health Inspector, Mr J. Fletcher, visited Rcwnniii and Runanga. and in the afternoon conferred with Dr Cotter and the Deputy Mayor of Runanga (Cr T. Latimer). It was agreed to close the Library and the Miners’ Hall. It was also decided that the doctor and inspector arrange with the Railway Department to convey the miners to work in open trucks. Last evening the Runanga l üblic Health Committee met at the Miners

Union office to consider the master o setting up a committee to cope with th< outbreak. v The question was discussed of provid ing assistance where families are al laid up, and it was considered to be ad visable to receive offers of assistants this (Friday) morning, especially fron ladies, and, indeed, all others willing t< help. It was decided b> advertise fp’ offers to help in nursing. M rs Cook, the well-known nurse offered to assist Dr Cotter in visitiiif the sick, which offer was gratefully ac cepted. The necessary arrangements to assisf families who are laid up worn made. An offer from Mr J- D. Lynch (Mayoi of Greymouth) to render all assistance in fiis power, was received, and a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr Lynch for his generous offer, The Committee decided to request ill sufferers to have attacks notified without delay. The only Runanga patient sent- to the Grey River Hospital has the pneumonic form of the disease, and is in a rather serious state.