(i) Relapsing Fever.
Relapsing fever accounted for 31 deaths in 77 recog- nised cases. A case mortality of 40.2 per centum is unduly high and suggests that a number of cases failed to be recognised. The type met with resembled louse-borne Sp. obermeiri.
(ii) Other Diseases.
(a) Tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis constituted by far the most serious single killing disease in 1946. Some 1,818 deaths were registered as due to this cause forming almost 11 per centum of all deaths. Intensive propaganda was carried out both through Govern- ment and private agencies in an effort to combat this scourge. The Hong Kong Anti-Tuberculosis Association launched a publicity campaign aiming at the reduction of indiscriminate spitting, the early reporting of cases, improvement in housing and nutrition.
With assistance from Sir Robert Ho Tung, the Association has purchased a mass X-ray unit and it is hoped to deal with up to 50,000 persons annually. Naval, Military and Air Force Services have agreed to co-operate in this work. The Asso- ciation intends to construct a sanatorium to supplement the rather slender resources of Government in so far as such institutions are concerned. Films on "Nutrition" and "Hous- ing and Slum Clearance" were shown to the general public and school children and aroused considerable interest. Tuber- culosis clinics are planned for both sides of the harbour to give advice and treatment to sufferers. Much valuable material is lost both in Government and in commercial circles by neglect of tuberculosis in the early stages.
(b) Deficiency Diseases.
After a long period on a starvation dietary, it might have been expected that a considerable proportion of the inhabit- ants would still be found to be suffering from the results of privation. The reverse was the case. Only one death was attributed to rickets, two to scurvy, twenty-eight to pellagra and 1,318 to beri-beri out of a total of 16,653 registered in 1946.
(c)
Rabies.
Two deaths from human rabies occurred in 1946. Dogs were examined and Negri bodies were found. The general public was warned to report all cases of dog bite and 388 courses of anti-rabic treatment were given during the year. At one period an urgent appeal had to be made for the virus fixe, so that enough vaccine could be prepared locally. The co-operation of the Police was obtained to enforce the muzzling order and additions were made to the dog kennels to enable strays
strays and suspected dogs to be kept under
observation.