M 6
15. Hong Kong was prepared for an epidemic. After its first appearance in May, the disease spread rapidly in June and attained its peak during the third week in July. From July onwards the epidemic declined; although, in contradistinction to 1937, sporadic cases of the disease occurred throughout December. In all, 547 cases of the disease were recorded with 363 deaths as compared with 1,401 cases and 776 deaths in the previous year.
16. The outbreak was aggravated by the steady stream of refugees into the Colony and by the overcrowded conditions existing in Hong Kong. Twenty-one cases were imported from various districts of China, and it was found necessary to impose quarantine measures against ships coming from Canton and Macao. Many more males than females were affected by the disease, and it was striking to note how relatively uncommon the disease was in children under ten years of age. Further details of the outbreaks from the clinical and bacteriological standpoint will be found in "Section III, Hygiene and Sanitation" and in Appendix IV.
(ii) Smallpox.
17. The outbreak of smallpox which began in Hong Kong in November, 1937, reached its fastigium in March, 1938. 236 cases and 192 deaths were recorded in the week ending the 19th of March. It was obvious that the epidemic was over by June and only five cases were reported in July.
18. Compulsory vaccination for all was introduced soon after the March peak and all ships coming from Canton were quarantined for the first time in the history of the Colony. Free vaccination centres were opened at hospitals, dispensaries and points of vantage throughout the Colony, the number of public vaccinators was increased and a vigorous anti-smallpox campaign was instituted. An officer was put in charge of this campaign, which was undoubtedly of great value in preventing further spread of the disease.
(See page 7.)
M 6
15. Hong Kong was prepared for an epidemic. After its first appearance in May, the disease spread rapidly in June and attained its peak during the third week in July. From July onwards the epidemic declined; although, in contradis- tinction to 1937, sporadic cases of the disease occurred throughout December. In all, 547 cases of the disease were recorded with 363 deaths as compared with 1,401 cases and 776 deaths in the previous year.
16. The outbreak was aggravated by the steady stream of refugees into the Colony and by the overcrowded conditions existing in Hong Kong. Twenty-one cases were imported from various districts of China, and it was found necessary to impose quarantine measures against ships coming from Canton and Macao. Many more males than females were affected by the disease, and it was striking to note how relatively uncommon the disease was in children under ten years of age.) Further details of the outbreaks from the clinical and bacteriological standpoint will be found in "Section III, Hygiene and Sanitation" and in Appendix IV.
(ii) Smallpox.
17. The outbreak of smallpox which began in Hong Kong in November, 1937, reached its fastigium in March, 1938. 236 cases and 192 deaths were recorded in the week ending the 19th of March. It was obvious that the epidemic was over by June and only five cases were reported in July.
18. Compulsory vaccination for all was introduced soon after the March peak and all ships coming from Canton were quarantined for the first time in the history of the Colony. Free vaccination centres were opened at hospitals, dis- pensaries and points of vantage throughout the Colony, the number of public vaccinators was increased and a vigorous anti-smallpox campaign was instituted. An officer was put in charge of this campaign, which was undoubtedly of great value in preventing further spread of the disease.
(See page 7.).
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