M 45
# PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST PLAGUE.
154. 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 ceiling, stair linings and panellings.
(c) Destruction of rats.
155. In the crowded areas where the houses are packed with humans and their belongings, the periodical cleansing of premises is a most important factor in the prevention of the spread of this disease. All the furniture, movable fittings and household goods are removed from the rooms and cubicles and all floors and woodwork washed down with an emulsion of soap and kerosene oil. This is done either by the sanitary staff or by the occupiers under the general supervision of the district inspector. In addition, accumulated rubbish of all kinds is cleared away and the premises thoroughly searched for rat-holes. Altogether 223,988 floors were dealt with during the year.
156. Twenty-seven members of the cleansing staff were employed in setting traps, bird liming boards, distributing barium carbonate baits, and collecting rodents which had been taken living or dead. By far the greatest number of rats were taken dead from the numerous rat reception bins or tins which are placed in convenient situations throughout the two cities. The Chinese take exception to the rats being found on their premises by the Sanitary Staff, probably through fear of extra sanitary measures being taken against them, and it is not uncommon for them to kill the rodents found in the Government traps and to throw the carcases into the reception bins. The total number of rats collected was 174,272, of which 17,038 only were taken alive. All rats collected were sent to the Public Mortuary for examination by the Medical Officer in charge.
157. During the year no rats were found to be plague-infected.
# PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST SMALL-POX.
158. Under the Vaccination Ordinance all Public Vaccinators are under the Director of Medical and Sanitary Services who is Superintendent of Vaccination. As Registrar of Births and Deaths the Director is responsible for ensuring the vaccination of all children whose births are registered.
159. During the year 545,850 persons or nearly one-third of the total population were vaccinated.