The Influenza Epidemic.

Taihape Daily Times, 14 November 1918, Page 4

The Influenza Epidemic.

SERIOUS IN WELLINGTON. MANY HUNDREDS OF CASES EXISTING. WELLINGTON, Nov. 13. The serious nature ofThe influenza epidemic in Wellington is realised, and there' is a great rush for medical specifics for prevention, and cure. The hospitals, public and private, are overcrowded, and the staffs UrßrnSelves are seriously depleted. The shortage of doctors and nurses, in fact, is a serious feature of the outbreak, as it means that many hundreds of cases existing cannot receive skilled attention. Telephonic communication is restricted so much that it has caused great inconvenience. Telegraph and telephone staffs are suffering from a heavy reduction of personnel through the epidemic. The Mayor is appealing to the citizens for assistance in nursing and caring for the afflicted people. Mr P. Fraser, M.P., yesterday found many cases lacking attention, in. some instances adults being cared for U? children. The Minister ofTlealth stated that no expense would be spared, and it is hoped voluntary organisations would be formed to deal instantly with urgent cases. Inhalation chambers in the city are being largely used by the public, but it is urged there should he more, A general impression prevails that many cases are a form of plague. It is reliably stated that in a number of cases the victims’ bodies turn black shortly after death. (With regard to the idea~that the. malady is a form of plague. Dr Frengley, Chief Health Officer, states: There still appears to be a feeling among the public that the present epidemic is something in the nature of bubonic plague. There is no foundation for such a belief. Everybody knows that in such a European .community as New Zealand bubonic plague is spread by the agency of rat fleas, and obviously in this district the rate of spread of influenza is greater than could he possible by the agency of these fleas. Again, the time of year is not favourable to such spreading agencies. Briefly, this is not nestis, or plague, to use a better known term.)

FIGHTING THE INFLUENZA. EFFECTIVE STEPS IN WELLING- ! •' TON WELLINGTON,. this day. i % The Town Hall has been turned into a hospital, also St. Patrick’s College and St. John’s Scholroom for the whole of the Health District.

The Department, is notified of 135 cases of pneumonia, mostly from the country.

The standard influenza mixture is being forwarded to all Hospital Boards to be. sold to the public at cost price.

TAIHAPE’S M.P. DOWN . The following telegram was received this morning:—I regret that I have to advise you that I, too, am down I have arranged that immediate attention shall be given to ail urgent matters affecting my electorate. Kindest regards.—R. W. SMITH.