INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 November 1918, Page 3

INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.

THE POSITION IN AUCKLAND. The extraordinary virulence of this epidemic of influenza 13 becoming every moment more apparent (says the Auckland Star). In the • congested areas of the city the malady has a terrible hold, and whole households are being prostrated. In the low-lying districts, Kingsland, for instance, the people are in a state of mind bordering 011 panic. Many irresponsible persons are spreading the childish rumors that this thing is some form of plague. Nothing could be more dangerous, for there is no possible room for doubt that' the malady is influenza—influenza in a virulent form, and attended, especially in all the congested and dirty places, with pneumonic complications It is a fact that these childish thoughts are hindering relief operations, for many are the instances in which neighbors could render assistance to famillies attacked, but are becoming too frightened to do so. The result is that great numhera of attacks, mild at first, develop in neglect till they are serious. It is high time the people understood that in no possible way can they do more harm tha a when their minds are filled with these ignorant beliefs.

The position of affairs at the hospital has never been worse in all its nistory. This morning the last bed in the institution was taken, and the fact that all cases admitted there are more serious than is general means that recovery is always slow. Three wards are filled with nurses who have been taken ill. Of a normal working staff of 180 nurses and sisters, 100 are now laid aside. Five more nurses came up by express from the South, this morning, and they are now at work in the institution. There are still less than 40 voluntary helpers, and very many /nore helpers- at the hospital must be obtained very soon.