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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
had been terraced and irrigated for the wet cultivation of paddy. The country abounded with potential breeding places of anopheline mosquitoes many of which were difficult to bring under control.
By mutual agreement it was early decided that there should be a division of labour in carrying out the scheme for malaria control. The Medical Department undertook responsibility for in- vestigation and research, for anti-larval measures other than drainage, for drug prophylaxis and for treatment. The Engineering Staff undertook to do clearing and drainage, the construction of buildings and general sanitary requirements. It was understood that the two Departments should work in full co-operation.
All the privately owned land within a radius of half a mile. from the lines has been resumed in order that there may be full control over this area. In Malaya it was found that half a mile was beyond the normal flight of anophelines from their breeding places. It is hoped that the same applies in Hong Kong.
The Resident Medical Staff, all of whom are paid from Loan Account, include one Chinese Medical Officer, two Dressers and a gang of coolies.
Two Anti-Malarial Inspectors who are in training
at the Malaria Bureau will shortly join the Resident Staff.
A small mosquito proof hospital of fourteen beds has been erected and in a few days time will be equipped and ready for occupation. A microscope has been provided. Mosquito proof quarters for the Medical Officer and for the Dressers have been completed.
Pending the completion of the hospital it was arranged that the travelling dispensary should visit three times a week and that a stock of drugs and dressing should be kept near the lines.
The Malariologist supervises the investigative and preventive side of the medical activities and the Medical Officer New Territories the curative work. Both Officers visit bi-weekly.
Anti-malaria Inspectors from the Malaria Bureau visit frequent- ly for the purpose of collecting mosquitoes and their larvae. Specimens caught are conveyed to the Bureau for identification and dissection. During this year 25,000 anophelines caught in the lines have been identified and dissected. The infection rate varied from nil to 20 per cent. accordingly to the species and the season.
The lines are visited daily and any sick found there are examined and treated. A statement of vital statistics is sent daily to medical headquarters and records are being kept.
The daily sick rate among the labourers, so far as can be ascertained from a shifting population, is about 5 per cent, off duty owing to sickness.
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