M(1)48
Thirty seven vessels were fumigated for various reasons during the year. Each fumigation was supervised by a Health Officer.
The total number of persons medically inspected during 1926 amounted to 535,267 which is equivalent to 1,466 examinations for each day of the year compared with a daily rate of 795 for 1925.
Table VI shows the Quarantine Notifications issued by the Hong Kong Government for 1926. Owing to the widespread incidence of cholera in Far Eastern Ports these were more numerous than usual.
IV.—VACCINATION DEPARTMENT,
The Vaccination Ordinance of 1923 requires that all emigrants from the Colony shall be protected against small-pox. Emigrants can be vaccinated at the Government Centre cheaply and efficiently and 25,728 presented themselves for this purpose during 1926 as compared with 7,724 in 1925 and 1,877 in 1924. In addition 4,124 non-emigrants were vaccinated at the Centre.
At the examination of emigrants on board ships those who, in the opinion of the Health Officer, were not sufficiently protected had to undergo revaccination.
The new launch H.O. II is of great assistance in the work of the Port Health Service. It has a hospital containing four beds so that sick persons can now be moved in comfort across the harbour or from ships to the shore.
Dr. J. P. Fehily undertook the duties of Health Officer of the Port in my absence on leave during 1926. Drs. Newton, Tsoi, Shin and Chea assisted for varying periods.
B. H. MELLON,
Health Officer of the Port.