MEASLES EPIDEMIC

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21212, 7 September 1940, Page 8

MEASLES EPIDEMIC

OUTBREAK AMONG TROOPS SCHOOL HOSPITAL RE-OPENED NO SERIOUS DEVELOPMENTS There are no signs yet that the outbreak of measles among the troops of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force who have been placed in an isolation camp at the Te Rapa racecourse will become serious. It has been decided, however, that the Hamilton West School emergency hospital for soldiers should be reopened. All cases of measles among the soldiers were transferred there today from the Waikato Hospital. In the opinion of the superintendent of the Waikato Hospital, Dr. H. L. Gould, it is not possible to judge at present how far the epidemic will develop. Today, however, there was no indication of the outbreak spreading and only one additional case was reported at the Te Rapa camp. About 25 cases of measles among the troops were transferred from the Waikato Hospital to the Hamilton West School hospital this afternoon. The school was originally opened as an emergency hospital some time ago when influenza became prevalent at the Hopu Hopu camp. Although it has not been required for some time by the hospital authorities, the school was not handed back in the meantime to the Education Board, as is was considered that with the increased concentration of Expeditionary Force and territorial troops in the Waikato it would be advisable to have the school available for any further emergency. The hospital authorities advise that the new West school and grounds in Richmond Estate are an isolation area and admittance to either is strictly forbidden. MOBILISE LATER CAMP DATE POSTPONED FOURTH REINFORCEMENTS A temporary postponement of the mobilisation of the Fourth Reinforcements of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force has become necessary as a result of the outbreak of measles among troops at present in camp. The postponement is general throughout New Zealand. This announcement should be observed by all men who have been called up. Individual notices will not be sent out.

How long it will be before the Fourth Reinforcements are mobilised cannot yet be stated. It will depend entirely upon the rapidity with which the measles outbreak can be suppressed;