M 160
(4) Regional Incidence.
Table IV shows the Distribution of the notifiable Diseases, occurring in 1928, according to Health Districts on the Island and other areas included in the Colony. Kowloon is shown as one area but, now that it is so large a town, the districts should be shown.
The cases under "Harbour" comprise those from among the Floating population whose only home is their boat.
The New Territories are, unfortunately, not under our control and the figures given are a few that come to our registers via a Hospital or Government official. From the point of view of the Medical Officer of Health, this position is highly unsatisfactory as this zone round the Colony forms no real buffer to imported disease.
Wherever possible, the permanent home or last address of the patient is ascertained and recorded, as on this Table, but, in the case of dead bodies and others, this is by no means easy or reliable. Twenty-five cases were not traced. The Hospital where they are treated is, of course, no indication of the district of infection and, in the case of children, bodies may be carried a considerable distance.
The figures here shown are a fairly reliable index of the most unhealthy and overcrowded districts. Health districts Nos. 1, 2, 9 and 10 all show high numbers for Victoria City. As already mentioned, No. 9 Health District is one of the most insanitary and Nos. 1 and 2 contain congested areas, in addition to another important factor—the small-shipping quays and the tidal boat-population.
No. 3 District is European Offices, Gardens and Residences; Nos. 6 and 7 are small Business areas and all these show a very small number of cases.
Kowloon (and New Kowloon) gives a total of 326 cases which is about 200 more than the total for Hong Kong Island. Thus, the Peninsula now presents as great, if not greater, a problem for Public Health than the City of Victoria. The latter, however, receives most attention and, with the present acute shortage of Medical Staff, the former has to be left largely to run itself. There are opportunities there now which, if missed, will never be recovered, and the regrettable state of affairs in the poorer districts of Hong Kong will be repeated.
(5) Small Pox.
There was a serious Epidemic of this disease in the Autumn of 1928 and the Spring of 1929 which reached its climax in January 1929. Up to the end of 1928, there had been 616 cases notified, of which 10 were Non-Chinese. Only 18 cases were imported.
M 160
(4) Regional Incidence.
Table IV shows the Distribution of the notifiable Diseases, occurring in 1928, according to Health Districts on the Island and other areas included in the Colony. Kowloon is shown as one area but, now that it is so large a town, the districts should be shown.
The cases under "Harbour" comprise those from among the Floating population whose only home is their boat.
The New Territories are, unfortunately, not under our con- trol and the figures given are a few that come to our registers via a Hospital or Government official. From the point of view of the Medical Officer of Health, this position is highly un- satisfactory as this zone round the Colony forms no real buffer to imported disease.
Wherever possible, the permanent home or last address of the patient is ascertained and recorded, as on this Table, but, in the case of dead bodies and others, this is by no means easy or reliable. Twenty five cases were not traced. The Hospital where they are treated is, of course, no indication of the district of infection and, in the case of children, bodies may be carried a considerable distance.
The figures here shown are a fairly reliable index of the most unhealthy and overcrowded districts. Health districts Nos. 1, 2, 9 and 10 all show high numbers for Victoria City. As already mentioned, No. 9 Health District is one of the most insanitary and Nos. 1 and 2 contain congested areas, in addition to another important factor-the small-shipping quays and the tidal boat-population.
No. 3 District is European Offices, Gardens and Residences; Nos. 6 and 7 are small Business areas and all these show a very small number of cases.
Kowloon (and New Kowloon) gives a total of 326 cases which is about 200 more than the total for Hong Kong Island. Thus, the Peninsula now presents as great, if not greater, a problem for Public Health than the City of Victoria. The latter, how- ever, receives most attention and, with the present acute shortage of Medical Staff, the former has to be left largely to run itself. There are opportunities there now which, if missed. will never be recovered, and the regrettable state of affairs in the poorer districts of Hong Kong will be repeated.
(5) Small Pox.
There was a serious Epidemic of this disease in the Autumn of 1928 and the Spring of 1929 which reached its climax in January 1929. Up to the end of 1928, there had been 616 cases notified, of which 10 were Non-Chinese. Only 18 cases were imported.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.