65.
2+
Rodent control is under the administration of a Redent Control officer and forms an integral part of the anti-epidemic work. The systematic destruction and control of rats was carried out m the general principles laid down in the **Control of Infestation of ILM.S.0. of 1946, and adapted to the circum- staires aud conditions in the Colony. Block control was aimed at by using probaiting followed by poison and post baiting to detent the presence of survivors. Minor infestations are dealt with by trapping. Rats raught by trapping are chloroformed and examined for fleas which are counted and classified for in- formation on the prevailing dea index. All rata collected are examined microscopically, and a tuieroscopic examination is made for signs of plague.
66. R. Norvegicus is the mere common type of rat found in the tenement houses. H. Kalbus is raore common in ships but is also found in tenement houses, The final disposal of all enta is by burial.
67. In addition to these more specific measures, the Health Cuspectorate conduct routine activities such as the prevention of sale of cut fruit, shell fish and ice cream products made by unlicensed factorier. All food factories, restaurants, eating honses are inspected regularly and there is frequent sampling of milk and ire cream.
(i) Health Propaganda.
68. This important branch of the Health Services is being developed stendily. In order to stimulate interest among the population and to obtain their co-operation a Health Week was again held in May. It was on sinflar lines to that of 1047. Six subjects were closen as follows: Maternity and Infant Welfare, Flies, Mosquitoes and Malaria, Spitting and Tuberculosis, War against rals, and a review of the services provided for prevention of disease and the part every citizen can play Posters were prepared and posted in prominent plares, a school competition was organised and the public address systems and the cinema van was in constant action. Wireless talks were given to link up with the subjects treated on that particular day by the posters, newspaper articles and tulks. The publicity was given in both Chinese and English. This week was a succewa hut it was felt that in future years the tendency should be rather to concentrate on steady work all the year round and to retain the Health Week as an infrequent spurt. With this in mind, five films have been made by local talent and these have been shown steadily by the cinema van, Other films are in course of
pre- paration. Use has been made of the van in stimulating vaccinu- tion by showing pictures and thus giving the publicity and providing the vaccination service on the spot.
60. The cinema van consists of an adaption of an army vehicle fitted with a generator and projector and so arranged as to throw the pictures on the reverse side of a screen fitted at the
back of the vehicle, and so shaded as to allow an audience to see the pictures during daylight. In addition an amplifier is fitted with a microphone for direct speech, or a wire recorder can be fitted so that any special propaganda may he repeated again and again from the same recording. This provides much needed
relief for the broadcaster.
70. In a more routine manner vaccination and inoculation are stimulated by the notices in the local press showing where these immunisations may be done free. Vaccination and inocula- tion have now become a condition of licence in eating houses and Factories.
71. Spitting in the strents was less noticeable except for a period when the many newcomers from China were unaware of Hong Kong laws. A short notice warning the public of the dangers is shown at every performance in the cinemas, This has had an excellent effect,
72. On one day in every week a special patrol is on the Look-out for spitting offendera. These are arrested at once and fines up to $25 have been imposed.
(iv) Port Health Work.
73. The activities of the Port Health Office cover work at the sea-port, the railway terminus and the air-port.
74. The staff of the Port Health Office consists of a Porf Health Officer, a Second Port Health Officer, seven Assistant Port Health Officers, three registered midwives and night public vaccinators. Additional staff of twenty-two temporary public vaccinators was needed during periods of high pressure of work.
75. The Port Health Office was transferred from King's Building to the Marine Department building in May, This juxtaposition with the Marine Department has resulted in much closer and more efficient co-operation.
76. On the 1st July, the second quarantine anchorage at Kowloon Bay was opened for ships entering the harbour from the eastern entrance. The original anchorage at Stonecutters for ships coming in at the western entrance was continued as well.
77. Further progress was made in the scheme to establish a quarantine station at Junk Bay in the old Rennie's mills site. tentative plans have been drawn up and have been considered by the Port Executive Comittee.
78. During the year 4.26 vessels with 195,038 passengers and 212,354 crew were examined at the quarantine anchorages. Three ships had infectious disease on board, the motor vessel Buys and the 8.8. General Meigs each with three cases of smallpos and the motor vessel Purea with one case of aallpos.