MENINGITIS IN THE CAMPS.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 September 1916, Page 6

MENINGITIS IN THE CAMPS.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES, (From Our Own Correspondent.) Wellington.. Tuesday. Some of tlio precautions that are being taken to cheek the spread of cerebrospinal meningitis at the military camps were described to a reporter to-day by General Henderson, the director of medical services. Bacteriological examinations are being made of ajl men regarding whose health there }sr the least suspicion, and the system of examination is being extended with the object of covering the whole of the troops. The medical authorities are anxious to detect | sufferers in the very early stage of the disease, when treatment is comparatively easy ami efficacious, and they are sparing no effort, to detect any ''carriers" who may be present in the camps. Just how cerebro-spinal meningitis spreads is not known clearly at the present time, and study 'pt the eases in the New Zealand camps has not thrown very much light upon the subject. It has not been possible to trace any connection between the various eases, or to detect' any particular source of infection. There has been no evidence of direct contact between any two of the cases. The patients have been drawn from different units and they have not occupied the same hutments. The latest methods of treatment, as recommended by the Imperial army authorities, are being adopted by the -tlew Zealand medical service. General Henderson mentioned that he had arranged for the establishment of "inhaling rooms," where men suffering from influenza and sore throats may be subjected to an antisc-ptic treatment in the form of a steam spray. This method of direct application is reported to have given good results elsewhere. All the men of the 17th Reinforcements are being examined gradually, and the men of other units now in camp will be, taken in hand as quickly as the medical officers are able to Undertake the work. Experience lias shown that cerebro-spinal meningitis resembles influenza in its early stage—possibly it develops from the influenza—and it is hoped that the careful treatment of every case of influenza will cheek the more serious complaint. "The people of New Zealand may be assured that we arc sparing no effort to prevent the spread of cerebro-spinal meningitis," said General Henderson. "The disease is not peculiar to New Zealand military camps. Jt has made its appearance in military camps in many parts of the Empire; and the investigation of its symptoms and origin is still proceeding. But we are using our best efforts, ill consultation with the high medical authorities at the War Office, to keep the trouble in check, and the number of cases already reported is comparatively small. I do not think there is any need for public alarm on the .subject."