The mortality rate in Hong Kong is a pressing concern, standing at nearly double that of England and Wales, which had a rate of 13 per 1,000 in the decade 1891-1900.
NERVOUS DISEASES.
The number of deaths attributed to nervous diseases in 1914 was 606, compared to 655 in 1913 and 501 in 1912. Of these, 471 were Chinese children under 5 years old, with 335 being infants less than one year old. The deaths among Chinese infants included 237 due to Tetanus, Trismus, and Convulsions, and 93 due to Meningitis. The influence of Public Dispensaries and Public Midwives is gradually being felt, and these figures are expected to show a steady reduction.
MALARIAL FEVER.
The total number of deaths from Malarial Fever during the year was 241, compared to 290 in 1913 and 432 in 1912, with 5 being Non-Chinese. Of the 236 Chinese deaths, 73 occurred in the City of Victoria (down from 110 in 1913), 58 in Kowloon (up from 47 in 1913), 86 in the villages of Hong Kong (down from 95 in 1913), and 19 in the Harbour (down from 30 in 1913). Some deaths in the City were cases brought from Kowloon or the Harbour for treatment in City Hospitals. Sai Ying Poon (No. 9 Health District) remained the most infected district in the City with 19 deaths, while Wanchai (No. 2 Health District) showed significant improvement. Military figures also indicate a steady decrease in Malaria infection in the Colony.
Among village deaths, 19 occurred at Shaukiwan (11 from land population and 8 from boat population), down from 33 in 1913; 47 at Aberdeen (20 from land and 27 from boat population), down from 53 in 1913; and 20 at Stanley (up from 9 in 1913). The increase at Stanley is attributed to the large number of workmen employed in constructing the Tai Tam reservoir extension.
Anti-malarial measures, first introduced in the City in 1899, continued with vigor. Sanitary Inspectors made special visits to identify mosquito breeding sites, dense brushwood near houses was cleared, quinine was administered to school children in selected districts, trained nullahs were regularly swept to prevent waterweed and algae, and standing water was treated with kerosine or carbolated creosote at weekly intervals. Cases of malaria reported to the Sanitary Department were investigated, and steps were taken to prevent mosquito breeding in the vicinity. Weekly returns of Malaria cases admitted to Hospitals were sent to the Medical Officer of Health to facilitate these efforts.