Q9
During the year 44 deaths occurred on or near the Railway works. The following were the causes :—
Malaria, 14
Beri-beri, 13
Injuries, 7 (One murder).
Dysentery, 3
Heart failure, 1
Small-pox, 1
Plague, 1
Pneumonia, 1
Phthisis, 3
A great many of these cases are unknown wanderers (not Railway employees) who attach themselves to a camp when sick in the hope of finding shelter.
Unfortunately the number of sick loafers is on the increase.
Five Europeans have been invalided to England for the following diseases :—
Abscess of Liver, Malaria, 1
Paralytic Stroke, ... 1
Malaria, peripheral neuritis, 1
Chronic Bronchitis, peripheral neuritis, 1
Perineal abscesses, boils, etc., 1
The preventive measures adopted against disease, viz., scavenging, frequent cleansing of coolie lines, drainage and the free use of quinine have obviously resulted in diminishing considerably the incidence of the three most prominent and dangerous diseases, viz., Malaria, Dysentery and Beri-beri, as well as others of a less serious nature, and the results of these measures have I think quite justified their adoption and consequent expense. The population is however a floating one and fresh cases are constantly being introduced from without, a serious factor to contend with in the attempt to eradicate disease.
A noticeable feature of the dispensaries is the frequency with which the neighbouring villagers bring their sick children, for medical advice and Western treatment.
J. W. HARTLEY, M.D.,
Railway Medical Officer.
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