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184. From the above it will be seen that the St. John Ambulance Brigade and the Chinese Public Dispensaries rendered most valuable assistance in the attempt to control smallpox by vaccination.
185. Apart from vaccination little was done to prevent the spread of smallpox. At a maximum not more than 25 per cent of the cases were discovered during life and of these the great majority entered the Tung Wah Infectious Diseases Hospital where they were treated by herbalists and where the precautions against dissemination were far from satisfactory.
Preventive Measures against Cholera, Dysentery, Enteric, etc.
186. The measures which may be taken to prevent the spread of bowel diseases are those which prevent dissemination by water, by food and by flies. The Hong Kong public water, though subject to certain risks of contamination at some of its several sources, is filtered and chlorinated and when it reaches the consumer it is of a high grade of purity.
187. The measures taken to preserve the wholesomeness of foods for sale and under preparation for sale are still far from satisfactory.
188. With regard to flies Hong Kong is comparatively free from these pests; the same cannot be said for New Kowloon within a mile of the refuse dump.
Preventive Measures against Tuberculosis.
189. The measures taken against Tuberculosis were:
(a) The periodical general cleansing of premises.
(b) Action to prevent the erection of unauthorised cubicles especially those which have defects in the matter of lighting, air space and ventilation.
(c) Action by the Building Authority to ensure the erection of houses having a proper supply of lighting and ventilation.
190. The overcrowded condition of the City of Victoria, its confined area, the difficulties presented by topographical features, and the absence of accommodation for evicted tenants make the question of hygienic housing of the populace one of extreme difficulty. The sanitary staff are working against great odds and they cannot hope to attain results such as are attained in other cities where the task is easier and the personnel larger. The wonder is not that so many contract tuberculosis but that so many escape.