K 53 -
developed symptoms of acute Beri-beri and died shortly afterwards. Post mortem examination confirmed the diagnosis. The building in which these deaths occurred was promptly disinfected and closed, since when there have been no more deaths from Beri-beri at Kowloon Chai.
The Camps at No. 5 Tunnel, Tai Po, have shown distinct improvement since drainage and other prophylactic measures, which were made possible by the appointment of an extra Assistant Medical Officer at the end of last year, could be carried out with some degree of thoroughness.
Until the headings of Beacon Hill Tunnel met, allowing a free current of air through, there was considerable trouble caused by the irritating vapours given off from the gelatine used for blasting purposes. The vapours given off from a well and thoroughly detonated charge do not appear to do much damage but if for any reason part of the gelatine is lighted and burns slowly before detonation takes place, the fumes given off from the slowly burning part of the charge are exceedingly dangerous causing stupefaction very quickly and death is liable to result owing to fixed chemical compounds being formed in the blood, thus destroying its oxygen-carrying property.
On June 10th, a gang of coolies had to come through dense fumes on their way out of the Tunnel at Shatin. They all complained of feeling sick and dizzy and three of them died very shortly afterwards. The rest had completely recovered by the following morning.
The total number of cases seen at the three Dispensaries was 2,192 against 2,064 in 1908 and 3,667 in 1907. Of these the following were the principal cause :-
Disease. 1909. 1908. 1907. Tai Po. South Face. North Face. Malaria, 140 113 197 450 556 1,168 Dysentery, 8 10 11 29 53 124 Beri-beri, - 1 7 44 52 81 Injuries, 84 264 260 608 354 371Tunnel No. 2.
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K 53 -
developed symptoms of acute Beri-beri and died shortly afterwards. Post mortem examination confirmed the diagnosis. The building in which these deaths occurred was promptly disinfected and closed, since when there have been no more deaths from Beri-beri at Kowloon Chai.
The Camps at No. 5 Tunnel, Tai Po, have shown distinct improvement since drainage and other prophylactic measures, which were made possible by the appointment of an axtra Assistant Medical Officer at the end of last year, could be carried out with some degree of thoroughness.
Until the headings of Beacon Hill Tunnel met, allowing a free current of air through, there was considerable trouble caused by the irritating vapours given off from the gelatine used for blasting purposes. The vapours given off from a well and thoroughly detonated charge do not appear to do much damage but if for any reason part of the gelatine is lighted and burns slowly before detonation takes place, the fumes given off from the slowly burning part of the charge are exceedingly dangerous causing stupefaction very quickly and death is liable to result owing to fixed chemical compounds being formed in the blood, thus destroying its oxygen- carrying property.
On June 10th, a gang of coolies had to come through dense fumes on their way out of the Tunnel at Shatin. They all complained of feeling sick and dizzy and three of them died very shortly afterwards. The rest had completely recovered by the following morning.
The total number of cases seen at the three Dispensaries was 2,192 against 2,064 in 1908 and 3,667 in 1907. Of these the following were the principal cause :-
Tunnel No. 2.
Tai
Disease.
1909. 1908. | 1907.
Po.
South Face. North Face.
Malaria,
140
113
197
450
556
1,168
Dysentery,
8
10
11
29
53 124
Beri-beri, -
1
7
44
52
58
81
Injuries,
84
264
260
608
354
371
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