CONTAGIOUS DISEASE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 3, 25 March 1927, Page 9

CONTAGIOUS DISEASE

HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S VIEW KEEP SCHOOLS OPEN As a result of an outbreak of diphtheria the Papatoetoe school is still under observation, and the usual precautionary measures are being carried out. Up to the present 19 cases have been reported. Interviewed this afternoon Dr. H. Chesson, medical officer of health for the Auckland district, stated that when an outbreak of some contagious disease occurred in a district it was usual to receive numerous applications for the closing of the schools in the affected district.

The attitude of the Department in regard to the matter was that the closing of schools, unless conditions actually warranted it. was not in the best interests of the scholars, past experience showing that the children were more exposed to infection when set free to roam Jibout at will than if kept under control. Immediately the schools were closed, said Dr. Chesson, the children spent their time either on the beaches, at the cinemas, or else visiting each other at their homes,, the result being that they ran considerably more risk of being affected than if they remained at school.

Providing the teachers kept a watchful eye on their pupils for any sign of sickness, and immediately sent any suspicious cases home, he considered it was advisable to keep the schools open.