Infantile Paralysis.

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume 4, 11 February 1916, Page 2

Infantile Paralysis.

The disease which is commonly known as Infantile Paralysis, butwhich is known to the medical profession as Poliomyelitis and which is prevalent in a more or loss mild form in several parts of the North Island, is the subject of a pampnlet which lias been issued by the Health Department The disease has been prevalent in America and Australia for some considerable time, but as yet the virus has not been identified. It attacks the nervous system, and while the disease is often easily diagnosed, the symptoms vary to such an extent that it is sometimes very difficult to identify. In the Northern Hemisphere, the disease is most prevalent during the months of July, August and September and in the Southern Hemisphere during the mouths of March and April. The name of “Infantile Paralysis ” is rather a misnomer, as it is nowise certain that paralysis will supervene in every case. The period of incubation has boon ascertained to be six days and the virus is c unmunicated from ono to another from the secretions of the nose and mouth. Patients shouid be kept isolated for not less than throe to four wee!: < from the acute stages of the disease. As regards Huntly cases, five patients have been sent to the Hospital at Hamilton, where the diagnosis of poliomyelitis has been confirmed. The patients range from 4'i to If) years of ago and are doing as well as can be expected.