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and bloodthirsty C. fatigans replaced the ubiquitous A. maculatus it would be surprising if considerable discomfort was not experienced from a pest of mosquitoes. In this locality out of 150 children, twenty-two had enlarged spleens or 14%. Twenty-one blood films were taken but no infections found.
At Ngau Tau Kok, 62 children were examined, 8 had enlarged spleens or 13%. Out of 63 blood films taken from local residents, one contained malarial parasites.
At Sham Tseng fourteen children were examined, all had enlarged spleens.
Recommendations were made on the findings in all these places. A larval survey has been completed at Kowloon Tong.
Mosquito nuisance.
Complaints as to mosquito nuisance, were received from Mr. Moss, Royal Air Force, from residents on the Peak, from Matilda Hospital, and from Kowloon Hospital. These were investigated, the chief offender being C. fatigans.
During the year three medical men underwent a course in mosquitology, also a member of the R.A.M.C., who in addition accompanied the Staff on larval surveys. The teaching of the probationers was continued. They are now competent to search for and identify all the common Anopheline and Culicine larvae, to mount these as permanent specimens in various media, according to circumstances. They have a good working knowledge of the mosquitoes usually met with, and how to identify and preserve them for future reference. All can dissect satisfactorily. They can enlarge maps, insert branches of the main streams as well as other breeding places. They have been taught how to record larval surveys and to stain and examine blood films both thick and thin.
Co-operation with other departments, & etc.
The following places were visited with the Drainage officials of the P.W.D., after investigations had been completed. Branch of ravine below War Memorial Hospital, Taikoo, St. Stephen's College Stanley Peninsula, Repulse Bay area.
At the request of the R.A.M.C. authorities, a partial survey was done at Lyemun, within the area controlled by the military, oiling was very satisfactory and no Anopheline larvae found. A visit was paid to Sham Shui Po camp by request. Stone-cutters' Island, in view of its reputation for freedom from malarial infection was visited in August by the Staff of the Bureau. Likely collections of water were met with, but no Anopheline larvae found although these places were not oiled. It is proposed to pay further visits with the co-operation of the R.A.M.C. authorities during 1932 if time permits. Larvae sent in from military camps from time to time were examined and reported upon.