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HEALTH
months between peaks of incidence. The incidence remained low after the extensive epidemic early in 1961 until the last quarter of 1962 when an appreciable increase was observed; this increase continued into the early part of 1963. The number of deaths, mainly due to broncho-pneumonia, remained high, reflecting the incomplete notification of this disease. Generally speaking, only complicated cases are notified and the majority of milder cases pass unnoticed or are treated by herbal medicines.
HEALTH SERVICES
Prophylactic Inoculations. Facilities for free vaccination against smallpox, cholera,' 'typhoid fever, poliomyelitis and diphtheria were available throughout the year at all Government hospitals, clinics and centres. No specific campaigns against smallpox or enteric fever were organized as the extensive campaigns against cholera militated against such operations, as well as against the anti- diphtheria campaign. However, special attention was given to smallpox vaccination because of the smallpox situation in neigh- bouring countries and some 321,942 vaccinations were performed during the year.
Port Health. The port health service is responsible for enforcing the provisions of the International Sanitary Regulations, as em- bodied in the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance. It is also responsible for the correlation and dissemination of epidemiological information on communicable notifiable diseases. Four inoculation centres are maintained for the issue of interna- tional certificates of vaccination and inoculation to people travel- ling abroad. Advice on medical problems is transmitted by radio to ships at sea.
A regular exchange of epidemiological information is maintain- ed with the World Health Organization in Geneva, the Western Pacific Regional Office in Manila and with ports and airports in other countries. Medical inspections of passengers arriving by land, sea and air are carried out as necessary at the respective quarantine stations at the points of entry and quarantine measures are en- forced against travellers from ports and airports declared infected with quarantinable diseases.
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