INFANTILE PARALYSIS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 November 1917, Page 6

INFANTILE PARALYSIS.

CASES IN NORTH AUCKLAND. Cases of infantile paralysis in the I northern part of the province have been notified recently to the- Auckland public health authorities, and Dr. T. J. ITughes, district health officer, spent ail last week in visiting the infected localities, which are. chiefly in the Otamatea County. It is stated that the eases reported have often followed a somewhat unusual form. In some the onset has been marked by the patient, suffering from malaise, or a general feeling of not being well, also from headache and pains in the neck and back,, wilh gastrointestinal disorders. In some eases these symptoms .have rapidly passed, leaving the ehild.Mvenk, but with no paralysis. Actual .paralysis has not been one of the chief symptoms.

The district health, officer stated that no cases had been reported from the northern districts since October 27, and it seemed as if the spread of the dis. ease had been stayed by the precautions taken. Apart from the cases of infantile paralysis, the health of the northern districts had been excellent. There had been less scarlet fever and diphtheria during the past month than for a considerable period previously.

The health authorities have drawn up a list of precautions'which should betaken at schools and in " the home to prevent the spread of the disease. Children should not be overcrowded or overheated, and schoolrooms should bo well ventilated. Pens, pencils, and drinkingcups should not be used in common. Hats should be worn, as the disease is always more virulent in hot weather. The frequent washing out of the mouth with a weak disinfectant is advocated. Children from any home Where there has been a case of infantile .paralysis should Le kept from school for one month, and should bo prevented from mixing with other children. All other precautions usually observed in diphtheria cases should be applied in cases of infantile paralysis.