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148. The Malaria Bureau of the Medical Department continued to function throughout the year. The work done included-
(a) General survey of the Colony and New Territories for the purpose of ascertaining what species of mosquitoes exist and the life history of each.
(b) Research regarding insect-borne diseases to determine the insects' hosts and the conditions influencing the spread of infection.
(c) Special investigation in malarious districts with a view to the eradication of disease.
(d) Local mosquito surveys for the abatement of mosquito nuisances.
(e) Co-operation with Government Departments, the Military, Naval and Air Forces, Public Companies, and private individuals with regard to the investigation and eradication of malaria.
The teaching of mosquitology.
149. The information so far collected indicates that the principal agents in the spread of malaria are Anopheles minimus and Anopheles maculatus, which breed in small pools and collections of spring water subject to the influence of light and usually situated in areas which are hilly or undulating. Water in contact with newly opened earth in these regions is especially dangerous.
150. Jungle bush and undergrowth, in so far as they provide shade to pools and collections of spring water, hinder rather than promote the spread of malaria.
151. The Public Works Department carry out all anti-malaria works on Crown Lands other than oiling. Each year a sum is inserted for the 'training of nullahs' and each year work to the limit of the sum sanctioned is carried out. There can be no doubt that the disappearance of malaria from the populated areas is to a large measure due to the excellent drainage works carried out by this department.
152. The P.W.D. and the Malaria Bureau co-operated to the fullest extent.
Preventive Measures Against Plague.
153. In the campaign against plague, the routine measures which have been in vogue since the disease was at its height were continued. They were--
(a) Periodical cleansing of premises.
(b) Abolition of rat refuges such as ceilings, stair linings, and panellings.
(c) Destruction of rats.