DEATHS ON A TRANSPORT.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 September 1918, Page 8

DEATHS ON A TRANSPORT.

IXPLCJvX'/A FOLLOWED BY PNEUMONII, ETO. 74 » ZEALANDERS DIE. Bf Telegrapli.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Sir James Alien stated to-day tliat lit deeply regretted the deaths caused by an epidemic of influenza among the 40th Reinforcements. The list showed that l<s men had died-Si. sea, and nine had died later on- There was also a considerable number still sick. He had cabled for fuller information. All that was known at present was that when tlie ship called at a distant port a message reporting that the health of the men was good was received here, and that was the last port of call so far as was known, till the ship reached the United Kingdom. Ho was not aware that the vessel had touched at any other port in continuation of the voyage, but it was quite certain that the epidemic would not have had it.s origin from any conditions prevailing ait tho time of departure from New Zealand, nor when the ship was reported "Health good." The outbreak came from causes subsequent to that timeThe deaths were due to fin epidemic of influenza, with pneumonia and acute bronchitis. The epidemic was not confined to New Zealand's transport. The whek convoy was affected. Fortunately, til ere were two medical officers and ten nurses on the transport, so that one could anticipate that every caTe and attention was given to the patients. He very greatly regretted these casualties, and expressed his deep sympathy with t'le next of kin, A reporter who inquired as to the precautions taken before a transport is used for reinforcements, was assured that every care was takc-n to sec that the ship was thoroughly cleanThe Director-General of Medical Services (Surgeon-General Henderson) stated that he personally inspected the vessels, and noted any structural -alterations or refitting required in the interest of the troops. There was a thorough cleaning »f the ship, so that the new troops might incur no danger of infection. MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT. Wellington, Last Night. Sir James Allen has received the following report from the Director-Genera of Medical Services here on the epidemic among the Fortieths:— "During the period of their training here there was. very little sickness among the 40th Heinforcements, only one infectious case of scarlet fever having occurred among them. At the first two ports of call we had reports from the ship, and up till then the health was good Froifis this it is obvious no infection was carried from New Zealand, since, in the five wwks that elapsed from the departure to the port of call, any outbreak would have had full fitme for development, nor can there have Ibeen anything inherent in the sanitary condition of the ship, otherwise the effects would have been apparent beforo .reaching the port of call. The earliest death occurred nearlv three weeks after leaving that port of call."