HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
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From time to time blood tests have been made to ascertain the parasite rates of the various sections of the labour force. It has been found that a varying percentage of those engaged are already carrying the parasite when they take up residence.
Prophylactic Measures.
The prophylactic measures taken so far have been those directed against mosquitoes and their breeding places. The methods employ- ed are oiling and paris green application by the Medical Staff and clearing and drainage and mosquito proofing of lines by the engineering staff.
It is estimated that twelve miles of water channel are being oiled weekly, the amount of oil expended being 250 gallons. Certain areas are being treated with paris green diluted with dust.
The oiling gang consists of ten men under the supervision of a dresser.
With regard to clearing and draining, the following data have been supplied by the drainage engineer:
Area dried by drainage operations
Length of subsoil piping
•
Length of open concrete channels
Clearing preparatory to oiling channels
18 acres.
12,763 yards.
8,870 yards.
8 miles.
Number of labour force employed in
clearing and draining
200.
Mosquito nets were supplied to the coolies but the infection rate remaining high among the mosquitoes found in the lines it was decided to try and mosquito proof the lines themselves by providing wire screens for windows and doors. Work is in progress in this direction.
Drug prophylaxis has not been attempted owing to opposition. on the part of the labourers and the difficulty of checking individuals under the contract system.
The malaria situation at Shing Mun is a very difficult one to control owing to topographical and geological factors, the range of flight of malaria carrying anophelines and the constantly shifting population. There is every reason to believe, however, that the activities of the medical staff and the engineering staff working in full co-operation will render the area salubrious and maintain a good state of health in the labour engaged. (Applause).
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