164
(b) The latrine accommodation provided on the one estate employing indentured immigrants is an open trench in the neighbourhood of the barracks, which is only occasionally made use of.
In the villages it is practically non-existent More often than not there is no provision made, and the most convenient patch of
If there is a separate building put up, the excreta are allowed to lie on the surface
of the land.
165
The evacuations were burnt during the time under treatment.
I believe the treatment was successful and that he is doing well.
or bush is availed of.
The Honourable
The Superintending Medical Officer,
Kingston.
The supervision is so slight and irregular as to be valueless.
(c) The treatment adopted is by large doses of thymol for the eradication of the parasite. The anaemia is treated by iron.
As I have mentioned before the disease is not prevalent in this district nor the districts served by this hospital, and there seems no occasion for framing regula- tions directed to the prevention of the spread of infection, so long as the sources of water-supply remain what they are.
I have, &c.,
A. W. THOMSON.
Alexandria P.O., 17 February, 1908.
SIR,
In reply to circular on the subject of ankylostomiasis; as to the general treatment of the disease I cannot claim to be at all experienced.
I have seen but a few undoubted cases; one of these I treated in hospital a few months ago; the patient was a white man, very anæmic and in a state of semi- starvation. In this case I followed what I believe to be the usual line of treatment, viz., rest in bed, on a liquid diet, for a few days.
Hyd. sub. chlor., followed by a saline to clean out the bowels; the next day he got three 10-grain doses of thymol in capsules (the precautions advised by Manson were observed).
I then gave him sol. fer. pep. and mon, c as (P.D. & Co.'s), and he left the hospital in about a month, apparently cured.
In the event of other cases occurring in my district, I should advise immediate removal to hospital and carry out the above or similar treatment.
The Honourable
The Superintending Medical Officer,
I have, &c.,
GEO. HARGREAVES.
Yours, &c.,
M. M. MEIKLE.
DISTRICT MEDICAL OFFICER, Hagley Gap, to the SUPERINTENDING MEDICAL OFFICER.
SIR,
Hagley Gap P.O., 12 February, 1908. In reply to your communication of 31st January, 1908, I have the honour to state that, in my opinion-
1.
Plantation workers (usually coolies) treated in hospital usually do well. First, moderate purgation with podophyllin, milk diet, absolute recumbency and thymol (in emulsion with mucilage acacia-three 10-20 gr. doses at hour intervals for adult). But, as they rarely apply for treatment until debility and anæmia are marked, proper instruction and appreciation by the overseer and bookkeepers of the importance of early recognition and treatment is essential. The "Eucalyptus oil, chloroform and castor oil" treatment, which does not call for "absolute reçum. hency" as thymol does, may be of great value for "treatment on plantations," where hospital facilities are lacking.
2. In view of our local conditions of water-supply, soil, and population, popular teaching on the subject in the districts where the disease is prevalent and in all schools would appear to be the most "hopeful" suggestion.
3. On plantations, proper provision of latrine trenches or earth closets should Labourers be enforced, and steps taken to check the commonly practised "bush." should be made to wear (defæcation) sandals or patters during rainy weather, or when working on rotting mulches or manure, and cases of "ground itch" promptly
I have, &c.,
treated.
SIR,
HARRY G. JOHNSTON.
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
سلسل
Reference :-
C.O.885
19 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
SIR,
Kingston.
Newport, 13 February, 1908.
In reply to circular dated 31st January, 1908, I have to reply as follows on the subject of ankylostomiasis :-
(a) I know of no sanitary measures in force for dealing with the disease in
this Colony.
(b) Can give no answer, as the question has not arisen in this district, and
I believe that this district is free from the disease.
(c) Never had to treat any severe case.
Two years ago I had to treat a case of ankylostomiasis-a discharged soldier who had contracted the disease in West Africa.
The treatment employed was as follows:-
(1) A preliminary purge-calomel V. grs., followed by oz. Epsom salts.
(2) A diet of barley water, and meat and mutton broths and toast for four
days.
(3) Fifth day oz. Epsom salts.
(4) Sixth day thymol, 10 grs. every four hours, in all 40 grs. for the day.
(5) Seventh day castor oil.
(6) Then a mixture containing 2 grs. to the dose of carbolic acid thrice daily
for 10 days.
Hordley Hospital, P.G. River, 14 February, 1908.
I HAVE to acknowledge the receipt of your circular re ankylostomiasis, and, in reply to question 5, beg to state :-
(a) So far as I am aware there are no special sanitary measures in force for
dealing with this disease in this Colony.
(b) There is usually no latrine accommodation provided on estates, and as regards centres of population, with the exception of the city of Kingston there is no attempt at supervision.
(c) One or two large doses of thymol at intervals of a week and general
tonics.
With the exception of coolies who probably bring the disease with them, I have seen but two cases of this disease in this district during the past ten years. During my stay at the Public Hospital, Kingston, however, I saw several cases from the district of Red Hills.
As regards treatment I suggest :—
1st. That all owners of estates having indentured coolies be compelled to
provide suitable latrine accommodation for them.
2nd. That in all centres of population there be strict supervision of latrines, and that the health officer, ministers of religion, &c. (in centres where this disease is known to exist), be requested to advise the people to boil all drinking water and to have their premises kept clean.
I have, &c.,
F. R. EVANS.