DIPHTHERIA OUTBREAK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 August 1943, Page 2

DIPHTHERIA OUTBREAK

EX-HOSPITAL PATIENTS CONTRACT DISEASE.

SANITARY INSPECTOR’S REPORT.

Referring to the recent diphtheria outbreak in Masterton, the Borough Sanitary Inspector, Mr T. A. Russell, reporting to the Masterton Bortpugh Council at its meeting last night, fiaid that the initial outbreak appeared to be under control when unfortunately two children in an infectious condition returned to their respective homes and were the cause of two fresh cases and one carrier. The ex-patients were’ sent back to hospital. A further case contracted diphtheria on the third day after returning home from hospital, where she had been suffering from another disease. For some days prior to cojning home she was in a general ward which, of course, was open to the public on visiting days. Just how she. became infected it was difficult to. say. “In regard to the children coming out of hospital in an infectious condition,” said Mr Russell, “I want to make it. quite clear that I do not think any blame it attachable to the hospital authorities or the bacteriologist. Owing to the inherent difficulties of the work these experiences happen in most hospitals. It is possible to get several negative results from a patient and then a positive. Some years ago it was necessary to send a boy back to hospital four times. At that time our bacteriology was done in Wellington. So far our percentage of repeat cases has been very low and' the outbreak appears to be definitely on the wane. The interest in our field work taken by the Medical Superintendent, the Bacteriologist and the District Health Nurse has been very gratifying to me and the fact that an immunisation campaign has been commenced in the borough and will be continued next year will do much toward preventing further outbreaks.”

Mr Russell added that a number of years ago he had immunised a group at Central School and none in the group had ever had diphtheria. The immunisation, he said, took about three months to become effective and lasted for about 12 years. Councillor W. White said the inspector was to be commended on his splendid work and particularly so for the tactful and courteous manner in which he carried out his duties. Councillor White added that a good job had been done.

Councillor White’s remarks were endorsed by the Mayor, Mr T. Jordan, and other councillors.