“TARANAKI CENTRAL PRESS.” MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1936. INFANTILE PARAL YSIS EPIDEMIC.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 314, 21 December 1936, Page 4

“TARANAKI CENTRAL PRESS.” MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1936. INFANTILE PARAL YSIS EPIDEMIC.

We are afraid that the outbreak of infantile paralysis in Dunedin will to some extent spoil the Christmas holidays of the children. Better that, than general infection through lack of proper precautions. Experience has prov ed conclusively that the avoidance of massed gatherings is the most effective check to disease in an epidemic form. The State departments have set a good example by abandoning breaking-up ceremonies and several important fixtures for December and January appear fated to be officially banned. Travelling in crowded railway carriages is also discouraged, and in almost every direction the pleasures the children have been promised at this season may be denied them. That is the official attitude towards this latest affliction, and we hope it will be the public one. The outbreak is assuming alarming proportions in Dunedin, but most of the cases may have been contacts who had been infected before first manifestations of the ailment called for departmental precautions. It is not necessary to dictate to parent as to the action they should takein this festive season; if they exercise ordinary common sense in the face of temptation to be indulgent, that should suffice. The health of the children is of paramount importance, and it is advisable that the mothers of families should be cruel to be kind. After all, it is possible to have a very jolly Christmas at home. There need be no restrictions on shopping because the young folk cannot this year experience the thrill. Santa Claus, at any rate, is immune and may be trusted to pay his annual visit with an inexhaustible supply of presents for the young —what they have negotiated for, and more. Also outings need not be forbidden if discretion were used, for .after all, it is the promiscuous congregation of children that is dangerous. While we are on the question it seems advisable to mention that there is a diversity of opinion amongst medical men as to the influence sunbathing has in reducing the resistance to infantile paralysis. There may be nothing in the suggestion that exposure of head and neck . to the sun is responsible for pre-disposition to attack, but per contra, no child would suffer serious consequences through wearing a sensible hat in the heat of the day—and it might help.