INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10290, 27 May 1919, Page 7

INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC

DEPARTMENTAL REPORT PRECAUTIONS TO BE ADOPTED. TO GUARD AGAINST RECRUDESCENCE. At the request of the Health Minister, an important report has been made by the Public Health Department as to the protective measures it recommended, as regards vaccines, diet, avoidance of contact, and avoidance of crowds, in case of a recrudescence of the influenzia epidemic. The department reports, stated the Hon. G. W. Russell yesterday, that ample stocks of vaccines have been prepared and distributed to the various hospital hoards, to he available for those practitioners who desire to use them. As regards inoculation, however, the medical officers of the department do not recommend it, for the reason that the results where it has been tried are not by any means convincing enough. The Chief Health Officer has communicated with New South .Wales, asking the health authorities to advise him as to the results achieved there where inoculation has been carried out, but a reply has not yet come to hand. With regard to diet, a pamphlet which has been prepared.is now awaiting confirmation before issue. When \ready a largo supply will be printed and circulated, particularly in the bapkblocks. The report goes on to say that the contracting or the disease can best be avoided by the public generally observing the ordinary rules of health—fresh air, good food, and exercise—and by having .regard to sudden changes of climate by changing their clothing, eto.; also by occasionally cleansing the nose and throat by the use of a mild antiseptic. As regards the avoidance of contact with crowds, said the Minister, the practice of persons mixing with crowds is a most important factor in causing a recurrence of the disease; but it is doubtful, states the report, whether the department can sufficiently . stress the point to make the public realise the possible danger they are facing, without tending to create a panic among the hysterically-inclined section of the community. Houses, too, should he kept well ventilated, by keeping the windows and doors open when possible; and unnecessary travelling on trams, trains, and steamers should bo avoided. People should bo encouraged to walk to work more; than at present. The prompt isolation and early notification to the authorities of all suspected cases will also help greatly in dealing with a possible recrudescence. . VALUABLE ARTICLE ISSUED. The English Local Government Board, continued Air Russell, had published a valuable article_ on the prevention of influenza. This is' being reprinted in the current number of the '‘Journal of” Public 1 Health;” and copies are to be dispatched to all' local bodies in New Zealand; while 50,000 copies, or more, if necessary, of the section dealing with the measures of personal precaution recommended by the Local Government Board are to be printed, and arrangements will be made with the postal authorities for a copy to be left by the letter-carriers at every house In the Dominion;',. It is. hoped that by giving to the people of New Zealand this detailed information from the most valuable authority in the worlrt they may be assisted in dealing with the matter.

BAT PLAGUE AND PLAGUE BATS. Another direction in which the deportment ie moving, said Mr Bussell, is in ■ connection with the rat plague. Instructions were sent to the department on‘the 9th inst. to prepare a. report in connection with the, rat crusade. The position is that as far hack os' 1911 regulations were gazetted to prevent or check the spread of plague by means of rats, but they have not at any time hitherto been brought into force. They are to be enforced now, however. Amongst the department’s recommendations for dealing with the rat plague are the following:—Steps will be taken continuously to secure rats for examination as to the absence of plague bacilli, more particularly in the case of rats found in and around the wharves of the principal ports arid at all times when an unexplained mortality amongst rats is reported. District health officers will get in tench with the harbour boards in their respective districts advising means to secure the destruction of rats in sheds and other buildings on the wharves; advising the rat-proofing of all buildings on their wharves, and also the Eulling down of old or rat-lnfestcd uildings, and the erection of buildings with rat-proof foundations. This has boon found most effective at New Orleans, U.S.A., in eradicating the rat plague. BATS ON SHIPBOARD. Further, masters of) coastal and overseas vessels are to be required to produce certificates that special anti-rat fumigation has been carried out on their ships when empty, once at least within the last six months; and, in the absence of such certificate steps will bo taken to secure the destruction of the rate on board.

The report also advises that harbour boards should acquaint the district health officers at the earliest possible moment of the existence, or suspected existence, of sickness or mortality amongst rats on ships or on wharves. In cases of ships suspected or known to have plague rats on board, the district health officers will at once exorcise their full powers relative thereto under the quarantine regulations. This action, stated tho Minister In conclusion, has been taken in , consequence of my attention having been drawn to reports that have come from Auckland and Wellington as to tho apparent existence of something in tho nature of a rat menace. It is hoped that, with the assistance of the local authorities, active steps will bo taken to deal with this pressing danger.