INFLUENZA.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 February 1920, Page 5

INFLUENZA.

INCREASE OF CASES SPREAD IST WELLINGTON DISTRICT NO CAUSE FOR SERIOUS ALARM. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The weekly bulletin issued by the District Health Officer discloses a very considerable increase in the number of influenza cases since the last bulletin, although the vast majority of the cases notified are of a mild form. It is significant that cases of a pneumonic type have increased from three in the previous week to 22, and pneumonia cases from 8 to 10. The total number of influenza cases foi* the Wellington district, which is a very widespread one, embracing part of the South Island, is 503, compared with 173 for the previous week. The largest number of the cases are reported from the Wellington and Nelson districts. In the case of the Wellington district cases of a mild type of influenza have increased during the week from 112 to 248, and pneumonic cases from 3 to 12, and three other cases are described as serious. The Nelson figures show an increase in mild cases from 19 to 155.

This would appear somewhat alarming were it not for the fact that the Health Department explains that the majority of these notifications are delayed notifications, referring to previous periods. Wanganui. and Palmerston North figures also reflect a spread of mild influenza over the whole district, but the Health Department states that so far there is nothing in the situation to give rise to any serious alarm. The Department is watching the position most carefully and everything i« well in hand as a provision any alarm* tag outbreak.

STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER. THE EPIDEMIC IN MILD FORM. Wellington, Last Night. Tiie Mayor of Wellington telegraphed to Sir Francis Bell (the Health Minister) (asking for assistance owing .(to anxiety of the health of the community being jeopardised by people congregating in large numbers in places of entertainment. Sir Francis Bell replied: "The officers of the Health Department advise that the present influenza is of a mild form, and that there is no immediate reason to anticipate an outbreak of virulent Influenza". They also advise that the closing of theatres or the prevention of public gatherings would not be justified. The position is being carefully watched. In conclusion," Sir Francis Bell said, "you may rest assured that all the powers vested in myself and the officers of the Department will be exercised if found necessary. At present there is really no cause for alarm."