INFLUENZA.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 February 1920, Page 5

INFLUENZA.

.DISEASE CONTINUES TO DECLINE. DOMINION FIGURES. • Officials of the Health Department stated on Monday that the position regarding the outbreak of influenza in the Dominion continued ,-to improve, 'and that considerably fewer cases were being reported. During the week ended February 10, 543 cases of influenza were reported in the Wellington public health district, n decrease of 370 compared with last week. Of the number notified, 13 were pneumonic cases, 8 were severe, and the remainder were classified as mild. The notifications included 215 from Nelson, 110 from Wellington, and 52 from Wanganui. The district health officer (Dr. I. E. Faria) stated that the indications were that the outbreak had about ra"n its course. As time went on the eases notified were becoming milder in type. The Nelson notifications were all old, and the latest bulletin did not contain any bearing a date later than February 10. r J POSITION AT HAWERA. At Monday's meeting of the Hawera Hospital Board (reports the Star), the position with regard to a recurrence of influenza was discussed, and the chairman stated that the Board was quite prepared for any emergency. A!l bad cases would be taken to the hospital, and a marquee would be set up if required. The medical superintendent stated that three more cases had been notified, all of a mild nature. He expressed the opinion that the closing of schools was absolute bosh, and the same applied to picture theatres. CASES AT STRATFORD. There has been a fresh outbreak of influenza at Stratford, and, in addition to a number of cases which have been admitted to the Hospital, many patients are being treated in their own'homes. So far none of the cases can be regarded as serious, but the number reported daily is assuming rather large proportions. Nearly all the eases are amongst adults, very few children having been reported to date. It is unlikely, in view of this fact, that the schools will continue closed after Thursday next. The Hospital is already over-tax?d. but special arrangements are being made to cope with any cases "which may require to be admitted.

OEO AND KAPONGA. The schools at Kaponga and Oeo will not re-open until Monday, March Ist, on account of the prevalence of influenza in these districts. The Hawem Hospital Board passed a recommendation, making a suggestion in this direction, and the chairman of the Education Board (Mr. R. Masters, M.P.) has authorised the closing of the schools until that date.

The chairman nf the Hawcra Hospital IBoard stated at Monday's meeting that there were 36 cases at Kaponga—all mild—and the medical superintendent intimated that all the cases at Kaponga reported dated hack ten days. The chairman said that three nurses were resigning from the hospital, and two of these were prepared to act as nurses of influenza cases if required. If a hospital was opened at Kaponga one of these nurses would be able to take. charge.

On the motion of Mr. Gillanders, seconded by Mr. Gifl'ord, it was decided to write to 'the Education Board, recommending that the schools remain closed at Kaponga while the present conditions exist in regard to the influenza.

The question of whether a nurse should be procured for Kaponga was referred to the local doctor and the member for the district.—Star.