FATAL INFLUENZA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1879, 19 September 1918, Page 3

FATAL INFLUENZA.

EPIDEMIC ON A TRANSPORT

Sir James Allen stated at Wellington that he deeply regretted ;lie deaths caused by an epidemic of influenza among the 40th Reinforcements. The list showed that 05 men had died at sea and nine had died later on. There was also a considerable number still sick. He had cabled for fuller information. All that was known at present was that when the ship called at a distant port a message reporting “health good” was received here, and that was the last port of call —so far as was known —till the ship reached the United Kingdom. He was not aware that the. vessel had touched at any other port, in continuation of the voyage; but il v r as quite certain that the epidemic could not have, had its origin from any conditions prevailing"at the time of departure from New Zealand nor when the ship was reported “health good.” The outbreak came from causes subsequent’ to that time. The deaths were due to epidemic influenza, with pneumonia and acute bronchitis.

The epidemic was not confined to New Zealand's transport: the whole of the convoy vas a fleeted. Fortunately there wore two medical officers and ten nurses on the transport, so that one could anticipate that every care and attention was given to the patients. He very greatly regretted these casualties, and expressed his deep sympathy with the next-of-kin.

A reporter who enquired as to the precautions taken before a transport is used for reinforcements was assured that every care was taken to see that the shin was thoroughly clean. The Director-General of Medical Services (Surgeon-General R. S. F. Henderson) staled that he personally inspected the vessels and noted any structural alterations or refitting required in the interest of the troops. There was a thorough, cleaning of the ship, so that now troops might incur no danger of infection.