INFANTILE PARALYSIS

Hokitika Guardian, 21 January 1925, Page 1

INFANTILE PARALYSIS

A correspondent writing from Mataimii notes that infantile paralysis cases are increasing, and as the disease might spread, asks that particulars iclating to the complaint might be published for general information to forewarn parents and give those in remote places some idea of the first symptoms so that any necessary precautions could he taken. Unfortunately there is a dearth ot publicity matter on the subject. Last week the Wairarapa Age took the Health Department to task for not being more liberal with liilormation on infantile paralysis and other topics which would assist the community in the crusade against disease. The Christchurch Press yesterday complained similarly as to the lack of definite information. It remarked: “It is with infantile paralysis as with the disease which in 1918 we called influenza; we know the danger, but have no true knowledge of the direction in which safety lies.” To add to the difficulties in this district, there is now no resident officer of the Health Department, and no one to whom a direct appeal may he made on the subject here. Dr Telford has written to the Christchurch “Press” on the subject, manly in reply to a letter by a medical gentleman, and there are some general references to the matter which may Ik; of some public utility meantime. pending the publication of more definite details.

Dr Telford says to the reporter:— The causation of the disease is not absolutely known, but it is believed to he due to an ultra-microscopic organism, which affects the respi; ifovv and digestive tracts, and it is the organisms contained in the secretions of these channels that produce the infection in a susceptible individual who has been in contact with a recent case of the disease. Healthy carriers—that is, piersons in recent contact with a case of the disease—may often harbour the infection in their nose and throat, though they themselves are incapable of being infected by the. organism. It will be readily seen, therefore, that children while in the incubation period of the disease who are healthy carriers, and who take a bite out of an apple, for instance, and pass it on to another for a successive bite, can readily transmit the disease. It follows, therefore, that scrupulous care should he paid to the cleansing of all utensils used for cooking. and uf all tableware used at meals.”

Replying to questions, Dr Telford stilted tlint nil persons who had been in intimate contact with cases of infantile paralysis were being quarantined for six weeks; and no children under Hi years of ano are being allowed to travel from the North to tile South Island. Dr Telford expressed the .opinion that local authorities should pay particular attention to the removal of domestic refuse, which should he frequently removed, and that as much care as possible should he taken to maintain the city in a high degree of cleanliness. Replying to the reporter. Dr Telford said that it would he an advantage if. in live central portions of tile city, refuse was removed twice a week, instead of once a week, as is customary. A XTKIM O R PO MOM YIN. IT IS. (Infantile Paralysis). fSupplied hv Health Dept.) This is an infectious disease which attacks principally babies and young children, although, adults a>S not exempt. It begins with irritability of temper and drowiness, accompanied by headache. vomiting, fever and stomach and bowel troubles. Paralysis affecting one or more groups of muscles, especially ol Ihe limbs, may supervene, and max even prove lain!. Medical advice should at once he obtained in such cases. The disease is carried from person to person, ami the infection is taken through the nose and month. 'I he throat! nose and bowel discharges of the palcint can carry infection, and these should always he disinfected. So far as is known, the infection is not carried by water or milk. Prevention —All gatherings of young children must he avoided, and young children must not ho allowed to enter any house where there is any case of sick uses. Kissing and Kindling ol children should not he allowed. Children should not use drinking cups, etc. in common. The sick should he isolated irom the healthy, and if strict isolation and appropriate nursing cannot he obtained at home the patient should he treated in an Isolation Hospital. Tim. sick room and its contents should bo disinfected at the end of the illness. Persons who arc brought into contact. .with the patients are advised to disinfect, the throat and nose. For tiiis purpose, an antiseptic solution, such as either of the following is recommended fm use twice or three times daily in hand sprays or atomizers: — (a)— Permanganate ol potash; ball a teaspoon! ill ol common salt to a Ineakfast cup of tepid water, made ver;, faintly pink with a permanganate of potash or Coiul.v’s fluid. HO IVrnxide of hydrogen. ! per cent, solution. When hand sprays are not readily available, the anliseptie solution should he poured in to the palm of llie hand, .smiled up through the nostrils and expelled through the mouth; afterwards some more of the solution should la l used as a mouth wash and gargle. This method is only practicable with ch!or_cliildren ami adults. It is desirable in the first instance tint this should he done under medical instruction and supervision.