HC Deb 05 March 1924 vol 170 c1412W
Mr. A. T. DAVIES

asked the Minister of Health whether there has recently been an increase of sleepy sickness (encephalitis lethargica) in various districts; to what is this increase attributed; and what are the conclusions of the medical experts who have been dealing with the situation?

Mr. WHEATLEY

The notification returns show that encephalitis lethargica has increased in prevalence during the past four weeks, but that this increase has occurred almost entirely in Lancashire. The disease is one which shows notable seasonal variations, both general and local, but the cause of these variations is at present obscure.