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10. CONTROL OF SPECIAL DISEASES.
The diseases predominating at present are described in a previous section (3) and the following paragraphs deal only with methods of control.
Malaria.
Before the occupation it was an
Immediately
exceptional occurrence to have notified an indigenous case of malaria, (malaria is notifiable), much less an out- break. The principal carriers were, and still are, A.rinimus, jeyporiensis, maculatus and hyrcanus, and the usually recog- nized methods of control are applied. There have been nearly four years of absence of control except in the case of the areas occupied by internees and where there were concentrations of Japanese personnel. In these areas some measure of control was contrived by Dr. Mackie, the malariologist, who was allowed to remain outside the intern- ment camp for part of the period of the occupation. The concession meant much benefit to our internees and, in fact, there was no undue amount of malaria during this period amongst the group. Eut generally, and especially during the latter period of the occupation, anti-malarial control was non-existent. This has resulted in a high incidence of malaria in many places, mainly damaged areas. on re-occupation, and even before Hong Kong was officially taken back, Dr. Mackie started measures of control, so far as resources permitted. Now much activity is in evidence and control is shared with the military authorities. The usual malaria season has now passed and Dr. Mackie is rapidly re. covering control of potential breeding sitės. He has got a labour force of some 300 in Hong Kong and about 200 in Kowloon. In addition, he has on the Peninsula some 800 Japanese P.0.Ws. employed on anti-malarial work and he expects soon to have the position in hand. No. D.D.T. aerial spraying has yet been carried out, but a suitable aircraft has been obtained and this should commence shortly. The work, however, will have to be largely experimental in character as this war-time method of control can hardly be considered appropriate in Fong Kong, except over special areas. In any case, the topography of Hong Kong Island would militate against good results by this method. Dr. Mackie thinks that fairly complete control will be established shortly and that the position will have reverted to normal by Spring next year. It is apparent, however, that before this result is achieved, very considerable outbreaks of malaria will still have to be faced. Dr. Mackie expects to be relieved shortly by Dr. Jackson and will then be able to proceed on the leave which he postponed in order to get on with anti-malarial control. He is indebted to the military authorities for equipment and oil supplies.
Dr. Mackie's forecast may be accepted provided Dr. Jackson returns to the Colony as proposed, and provided
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