A PROBABLE ORIGIN OF THIS OUT BREAK OF INFLUENZA IN EUROPE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2012, 25 February 1890, Page 4

A PROBABLE ORIGIN OF THIS OUT BREAK OF INFLUENZA IN EUROPE.

The following letter appeared in a recent i aß ue of the Sydney Daily ! fclegraph :

Sin,—l notice by your report of interviews with the medical profession or. Sjdney that they are unaware of the severe epidemic of influenza which visited tne country parts of the colony about three months ago, and which probably may be traced as the origin

of the outbreak now prevalent in Jiurope, it having been transmitted from here m the wool, and it will be remembered that it just coincides with the distribution of our Australian wool throughout Europe. Moreover

the records of the mortality iu Kuropjvery nearly agree with relics here pb i*r as I cau gather-viz , 2 per cent. I revious to the oiu.l.reak three months

ago the good health of the country was remarkable, but as soon as shearing commenced the disease made its appearancw, and I uave kneyn sheds with about 90 shearers* engaged to be compelled to cease 'svork °in con-

sequence of m<re than 75 per cent of their number oeing down with the epidemic, and I believe that without exception every shed throughout the colony has had from 45 to 60 per cent of their men attacked.

Some of the cases I have seen wore very bad, aud the tendency to rereading and attacking the lung, producing either pneumonia, or various kinds of bronchitis, was phenomenal and peculiar only to influenza of a puie epidemic type. I believe the disease co be in some way or other connected with the wool, as every one brought into contact with it took the disease, and I have no doubt, if this be the

case, that the disease has been transmitted to Europe through the medium of the wool. I might state there can be no doubt but that the affection alluded to by me is true epidemic iufluenza, and quite distinct from the disease known popularly as influenza, which is nothing more than catarrh. Trusting ihafc other country practitioners will investigate the matter, — Tours, etc., E. J. A. Hatnes, L.R.0.P., Lond., M.W.0.5., Eng. Gunnednh, December 31, 1889.