INFANTILE PARALYSIS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 157, 21 March 1916, Page 4

INFANTILE PARALYSIS.

An Expert's Opinion. The Health Department made no secret of the fact that the outbreak oi infantile paralysis is regarded seriously, and a strong appeal is being made to tbe public to take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. In the course of an interview with a representative of the Wauganui "Chronicle," Dt Sydney Smith, the representative of the Health Department who is visiting the coast, in connection with th j epidemic, made some interesting observations on the outbreak in general, and particularly stressed the need of cleanliness THE EPIDEMIC The diseas?, Dr Smith said, was caused by minute organisms, so small as to be visible under a high powered microscope only. It was now being grown in cultures in laboratories, and Dr Plexene, of the Rocklellow institute, bad transmitted the disease to monkeys from cultures. It was found that, the organisms obtained access to the tissues of the spinal cord through the lining membrate of the cosa and throat. It was also transmitted by bites from insects, such as flies, fleas and bugs. Dust also carried the infection. There was no doubt that lcog continued heat and dryness were unfavourable conditions. All the outbreaks in Europe, America and tbe colonies had been associated with hot, dry weather. SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE The usual first symptoms of the disease were that a child refused food and complained of headache ot a pain at the back of the neck. Vomiting and convulsions sometimes occurred. Tbe temperature rose to 100 or 102 degrees. After one or two days paralysis supervened, the parts paralysed being usually the arms or legs, but any muscle in the body might be effectei In some cases paralysis had occurred in the muscles of the Leek only. After paralysis occurred, tte symptoms usually subsided, and an improvement in the condition took place gradually Dr Smith explained the deference between cerebrospinal meningitis and infantile paralysis. The first was an inflammation of tte membrancc lining of the spinal cord and brain and the latter was inilammalion of a certain part of the spinal cord itstif, causing destruction of the delicate membrane cells which led to the nerves supplying the muscles, ard when tfce r.erve cells are out off tbe muscles were unable to contract AN IMPORTANT POINI "A doctor should be called at the first fign of suspicious symptoms," said Dr Smith, in conclusion, "as much more good can be done before paralysis occurrea than after. Manv of the case 3 have resulted in permanent paralysis, a most distressing thing to happen to a healthy child."

The local authortnes were doing their part to help in every way they could, and parents were earnestly appealed to so that they could do all in their power to keep tnc epidemic within the pres;nt restricted limits. At tfce present time parents had a big responsibility. They should see that their premises were kept in a thoroughly sanitary condition. Children should not be subjected to the extremes ot heat or chill?, the htter particularly after bathirg. Tiny should alio be kept away from assemblies, places of entertainment, and dusty thoroughfares. It was advisable tor both adults and children to douche the nose ar.d thioat with mild antiseptics. Fcr general purposes strong antiseptics, of which sheepdip was a particularly good one, fhi.uld be used