South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 28 January 1961

Area Hit By Influenza

Teaching Staffs Affected More Than Schoolchildren

According to medical reports, Mexborough and Conisbrough appear to be the districts most badly hit by the influenza, which is at present sweeping the area.

Dr. D. J. Cusiter, Divisional Medical Officer, told the “South Yorkshire Times” this week that industry did not appear to be unduly affected by ‘flu, and that at the Park Gate Iron and Steel Company, which employs nearly 5,000 absenteeism at a minimum appeared to be at a minimum.

Attendances at schools were not badly hit, but there had been a fall in percentages from the ninety to the eighties.

He pointed out that it was not a notable illness, but as far as he could judge, it appeared that Mexborough was more badly affected than other areas. There seemed to be very little in the Dearne and other districts.

One undertaking that is hard hit is the Mexborough and Swinton Traction Company. Mr. D. R. Vernon, General Manager, told our reporter that about 30 drivers and conductors out of 150 were off through illness. “This represents about 20 per cent of staff and we are also a further 10 per cent down through shortage of staff,” he said.

Not General

Mexborough Divisional Education Officer, Mr. C. J. Cooper, said, “I have no evidence at the moment of undue absences from schools. One or two schools are affected, but it is by no means general.”

At Conisbrough Station Road School the staff of seven had been cut to three through illness. “I would say that it is affecting teaching staffs more than the children,” he added.

It is understood that at Adwick Road School, Mexborough, about 25 per cent of the staff are off through ‘flu.

Dr. D. M. Bell senior partner in Conisbrough practice, said they were absolutely “rammed out” with ‘flu cases. It was not possible to say whether or not it was a type of Asian ‘flu without proper investigation. He said it was very infectious, and in many cases more than one member of a family was infected.

Above Normal

An official at the No. 3 Area Headquarters of the N.C.B. said absenteeism is five per cent above normal. We assume that this is owing to the effects of ‘flu, but we have no evidence to prove it.”

At the Swinton Works of the General Electric Company it was reported that absenteeism was higher than usual, presumably due to ‘flu.

Medical Hint

Dr. Cusiter advised that if anyone caught influenza they should go home and stay in bed. “Keep it to yourself and if you really ill—call in the family doctor. Do not go around spreading it to other people.” He added that unless there were complications it should clear up in four or five days.