The Influenza Epidemic.

Taihape Daily Times, 7 November 1918, Page 4

The Influenza Epidemic.

AT OHAKUNB. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ARRIVES. (Our Special Correspondent.) Last night’s express conveyed Mr. Pargeter (Health Officer), Dr. Mitchell, and two nurses from Wanganui, as a result of the prompt action of Mr. C. H. Burnett, who happened to be visiting Ohakune. On being advised by Mr. Goldfinch (Acting-Mayor) of the seriousness of the outbreak, Mr. Burnett immediatley telegraphed the Health Department, the Hospital Board, and the Acting-Mayor at Wanuganui for assistance, with the above result. Two more trained nurses, with a supply of bedding, linen and medical comforts go through to-night. Dr. Mitchell brought a supply of medicine and further supplies of standard medicines arrive from Auckland by first opportunity.

A conference was held later in the day at the Traffic Manager’s office, and was attended by Mr. Pilkington, Mr, O. Loughlen, Dr. Feltham, Mr. Bennett, and the Acting-Mayor (Mr. Goldfinch). As a result of Mr. O. Loughlen’s (traffic manager)efforts, a temporary hospital has been established near the station, and the serious cases immediately taken in hand under two nurses. The meeting discusswith Dr. Feltham the advisability of establishing a hospital in the upper town, and this question is now in the hands of the Acting-Mayor and Mr. Pilkington. The authorities at Ohakune greatly appreciated Mr Burnett’s assistance. Mr. O. Loughlen has been most thoughtful and kind .throwing his office open and giving real assistance and kindly advice whenever wanted. Mr. Reynolds, representing the “Wanganui Herald,” has also rendered valuable help.

AT AUCKLAND.

54 DEATHS IN FOUR WEEKS. Influenza in Auckland -has already reached alarming proportions. 'There is to-day not "one sign of its "abatement, but, on'the contrary, as methods of cfeping with the'disease are gradually being made more efficient • • more and more- instances of neglect are being made visible, so that the authorities Ate in sore straits indeed to ; o make up arrears in assistance, and at the’same time to provide atthdance for u fresh cases as they are continually r being found. 1 The Registrar of Deaths, Mr. Gdl-' " pan, has made a return, which, show& that for t}ae four weeks ended yesterday there have been 52 deaths of com-- -v plicated .influenza -in Auckland. ■ Alto- - gether there have been 171 deaths for the past four weeks from various -■ causes, an increase from 98 fof : that” •* time last year. - ->• In the. Hospital yesterday the situation was serious. There are over f cases in .the -institution,. and eighty- * ' nurses are stricken down. On Tuesday there were eight deaths at the : r hospital. On Wednesday night, in one of the new wards a woman with five children was admitted. The mother shortly afterwards died, but the children—four girls and a baby one day old—are progressing.

An inhalation apparatus has been installed at the Government Buildings, Customs Street, where people may re--1 ceive a disinfecting spray. Between 11 and 12 o’clock to-day the room waal literally packed with people, and thl corridor outside was also crowded wiM those waiting their turn to be reH dered immune from infection. : AT HAMILTON. I i THREE DEATHS IN HOSPITAL. PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLOSED. HAMILTON, Nov 6. The influenza epidemic Is assuminglarge proportions here. Three deaths occurred in Waikato Hospital yester- ! day, and the wards are filled to their utmost capacity. Many of the staffs of local business concerns are depleted. Considerable difficulty is experienced in carrying on. It has been decided to close the schools, and the public are strongly urged to avoid large assemblages.

AT GISBORNE. GISBORNE, November 6 The number of influenza cases is increasing daily. The hospital is crowded, there being 61 cases in the institution to-day. Sixteen nurses out of a staff of 34 are affected. In response to an appeal by the hospital several women volunteered to give assistance in nursing in the institution. The Borough Council has decided to disinfect the tramcars three times a day,, and has asked the school to consider the advisability of the schools. Since Sunday two deaths, have occurred at the hospital from double pneumonia, following influenza.

AT TAIHAPE. The influenza epidemic is extending slightly in this district, though the cases are hy no means so malignant as np north. There are at the present time eleven cases in the public hospital, nine of which were admitted yesterday. Some icf the cases fljre acute, but they all show more or less improvement. The staff of the local post office is "working under great difficulties, owing to the absence of well-known faces from their accustomed places. The liesmen are helping the office to carry on, and are delivering telegrams and helping generally. Dr. Mac Diarmid is down with the complaint, and Dr. Sinclair is up doing what he can. Some of the business places are severely handicapped through their employees being indisposed, but there is cheerful endeavour to keep things going. ' The school was closed this morning until such time as the epidemic has spent itself. Mr. Swindells, the Health Inspector, is down with the complaint, but sends ns the following information: — Influenza has been declared a dangerous Infectious disease, and therefore becomes notifiable. I would be pleased if you would mention that it is essential that patients should be strictly isolated . Sputum and nasal mucous should be burned, all crockery should be kept for the exclusive hse of the patiept, and the linen should be disinfected. Contacts should use efficient gargles and nasal douches; for Children too young to gargle formaldehyde tabloids may be used with advantage. All kissing should be avoided, or too close contact with a person suffering from a cold, so as to avoid inhaling the breath of the person sufering. ’