INFANTILE PARALYSIS

Hokitika Guardian, 10 February 1925, Page 3

INFANTILE PARALYSIS

[UY TKLIiOUAPn—I’EII VltliSS ASSOCIATION

SUSPECT AT DUNEDIN. DUNEDIN, February 10. An infantile paralysis suspect is under observation at the hospital. REOPENING OF SCHOOLS. DR. TELFORD’S VIEW. , CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 9. It was stated, shortly after the anmiuncenienfc was made that all schools should remain closed till February 16th.. that at least a week’s notice would be given as to the date on which -■ they would be allowed to reopen. On Saturday, Dr. Telford stated that as far as Canterbury and "Westland were concerned he was not likely to make any recommendation at present that schools be allowed to reopen. This applied to primary, secondary and private schools, and also to Sunday schools. The restrictions against the assembly ol chil- „ dren would be continued in the meantime. DANGER OF INFECTION. Regarding the question asked whether the germ of infantile paralysis could he conveyed by letters through the stamps and envelope being licked—- " " X)i". Telford said that presumably the idea was that the stamps and envelope had been licked by a patient or a carrier. It was possible, but the chances were not very great, as patients were not of an age when they did much let-ter-writing, or had not acquired the art of writing. The principal way in which the disease was spread was undoubtedly Ry direct contact in the incubation or infected period of the disease, or by n healthy or convalescent carrier,