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878.6171,181
(Circular No. 1185.)
49
Enclosure 3 in No. 19.
The Control of Ankylostomiasis.
THE DISTRICT MEDICAL OFFICER,
In view of the increasing prevalence of ankylostomiasis as shown in the returns from the Estates Hospitals, and the loss of labour necessarily entailed thereby, I have to direct your attention to the necessity of adopting measures for the effective control of this disease.
In 1903, after the discovery of the relation of Ground Itch to this disease, I issued a Circular advocating :-
The smearing of the feet of field labourers with some coal tar preparation, or the wearing of sabots.
These recommendations were not, so far as I am informed, generally acted upon, and the disease has since that date largely increased.
As a preliminary to any scheme of control it is essential to obtain accurate information of the number of immigrants affected with the disease, and the only exact method of doing so is by the microscopic examination of the faeces; which practice is systematically carried out in British Guiana. This examination entails some trouble, but after a little experience is readily carried out, and is of the utmost importance in any attempt to deal with the disease.
I would suggest that a beginning be made by the examination of every immigrant admitted into hospital, and that the inquiry be subsequently extended to the others on the estate with a view of obtaining a complete census of those affected.
All cases so discovered would, of course, be immediately put under a course of treatment.
A careful record of all cases should be kept, and a monthly return sent me of the
total number of persons affected.
The return (which should reach this office not later than the 10th of each month) should be in the subjoined form.
I have written to the Protector of Immigrants on the desirability of enlisting the support and co-operation of managers of estates, and would advise you to consult them as to the best practical manner of conducting the inquiry, and the most effective
steps required to combat the disease.
16th April, 1907.
Return of Cases of Ankylostomiasis for month of..
J. A. DE WOLF,
Surgeon-General.
Estate..
Number of cases previously reported.. Number of new cases....
Total number of cases to end of month. Number remaining under treatment at end of month..
Date.
(Circular No. 650.)
District Medical Officer.
Ankylostomiasis. Treatment of, and Measures to be taken with a View to its
THE DISTRICT MEDICAL OFFICER,
Eradication.
BE good enough to furnish me at your first convenience with a report on this subject, including the following particulars :-
(a) Whether there is any marked increase in the severity of the disease in rainy
season.
(b) The sanitary measures in force in your district for dealing with the disease.
(c) The nature of the latrine accommodation provided on estates, and amongst the general population, and the supervision which is exercised over it.
(d) The method of treatment usually employed in severe cases.
2. I shall be glad to have also your suggestions:-
(1) As to what local measures for preventing the spread of infection might be
taken.
(2) For the treatment of ankylostomiasis on plantations.
(3) For the treatment of ankylostomiasis en masse.
(4) General and special sanitary measures bearing upon the question.
10th March, 1908.
HENRY LEWIS CLARE,
Surgeon-General.
19
Reference :-
CO. 885
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ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
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