THE RECENT EPIDEMIC

Hokitika Guardian, 8 September 1926, Page 3

THE RECENT EPIDEMIC

ORIGIN OF THE OUTBREAK

The recent influenza epidemic appears to have commenced in June, there being eight deaths from influenza recorded in the fourteen urban areas fro that month (states the " Abstract of Statistics ” for August). The reports goes on to say that a rapid advance occurred the following month, the total number of deaths lor July reaching 65. This latter number compares very favourably with the experience of the past five years, approximating. as it does, the total recorded for July. 1923. which was the year of the last epidemic. ‘•While attacking persons of all ages, the present epidemic, nevertheless, appears to he most fatal among persons of middle-life and old age. ’ adds the report. “ Wellington urban area appears to have been the origin of the outbreak, no fewer than seven of the total deaths ill urban areas Wing recorded therein. Christchurch thereafter suffered most, the number of deaths recorded for July being 29. or nearly 45 per cent, of the total. Wellington and Auckland are next in numerical order with totals of 12 and 9 deaths respectively. A comparison of the distribution of deaths from influenza over the Dominion in recent years shows that in normal circumstances Auckland urban areas has predominated, while in time of epidemic the districts in the South Island appear to be chiefly affected.” The report points out. that of the total of 65 deaths' for July, 1926. pneumonia was specified as a complicating disease in 34 cases, bronchitis in nine cases, braneho-pneiimachitis in three, and other diseases of fhe res-.

piratory system in three cases. Ihe total number of deaths from influenza recorded for July would he greatlj augmented were the number of cases included in which this disease was itself a contributory cause.