HC Deb 01 July 1957 vol 572 cc75-6W
55. Sir F. Medlicott

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is some similarity between the symptoms of Asian influenza and those of poliomyelitis; and what steps are being taken by local authorities and by his Department to guard against the difficulties and complications which may arise as a result of such similarity and to ensure the earliest possible diagnosis and treatment.

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

I am advised that differentiation between two virus infections of this kind may at first present some difficulty but that this should not continue for long in a particular case. Medical officers of health have been asked to inform general practitioners of the clinical signs caused by this type of influenza and laboratory facilities are available to assist in diagnosis.