INFLUENZA IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 October 1918, Page 5

INFLUENZA IN SOUTH AFRICA.

THE VALUE OF VACCINE. Received Oct. 22, 9.45 p.m. Capetown, Oct. 21. The Director of the South African Institute of Medical Research, in his report on the use of vaccine prophylaxis in connection with influenza, says it is unjustifiable at present to state from knowledge, or claim, that any bacterial vaccine confers any protection against an epidemic of influenza. It is possible that comprehensive doses of Lister's No. 8 group would be useful in preventing pneumonic complications. On the other hand, the opinion of the Government bacteriologist and practitioners generally is that vaccines modify the attack, lessen the incidence ;.nd severity of pneumonic complications, and reduce mortality. The Director of Medical Services to the Defence Forces states that he had under close observation many thousands of cases, and not one who underwent a second inoculation contracted the disease, while there was only one case where, once inoculated, of dying of pneumonia. The emphatic opinion of all military doctors as to the value of vaccine is incontrovertible.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Association. INQUIRIES MADE. Wellington, Last Night. A few days ago the Minister for Public Health cabled to tlio South African health authorities for information regarding the outbreak of influenza at Capetown and elsewhere. A reply has been received to the effect that the disease is true influenza, complicated by pneumonia and other pulmonary affections.. With regard to remedial measures, the Cape authorities report that vaccines are being tried, but they do not give details of tllie results.