X1000307-1952-53_Part01 — Page 13

Leprosy.

62. There was no indication that there was a true increase in the incidence of this infection in the Colony during the year although it is known that a number of leprosy patients entered the Colony from China to seek treatment. The number of cases admitted to the Leprosarium was no true indication of the prevalence of the infection, as the temporary settlement on Hong Kong Island dealt merely with part of the problem. The increased accommodation in the new settlement on Hay Ling Chau was rapidly taken up and, by the end of the year, the number of inmates was 301

63. The number of new cases recognized at out-patient elinica was 190.

Cerebro-Spinal Meningitin.

64. There were 12 cases notified with 5 deaths as compared with 26 cases and 13 deaths in 1951,

Measles.

65. There were 674 cases with 77 deaths-a fatality rate of 11.4% compared with 528 cases with 39 deaths in 1951.

Pertussis.

66. There were 452 cases notified with 5 deaths, giving a fatality rate of 1,1%, as compared with 747 cases with 20 deaths in 1951. This shows a marked decrease in incidence.

Chickenpox.

67. There were 176 cases notified with 4 deaths as con- pared with 281 cases with 3 deaths in 1951, showing a consider- able fall in incidence.

Scarlet Fever.

68. This disease is comparatively rare in the Colony. Four cases were notified with no deaths.

Puerperal Fever.

69. Six cases were recorded with 1 death compared with 7 cases and no deaths in 1951.

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Malaria.

70. There were 1,010 cases with 46 deaths recorded in 1952, as compared with 526 cases and 35 deaths in 1951. Most of the cases gave a history of having contracted the disease outside the area in which routine auti-malaria measures are in force.

Tuberculosis.

71. There were 14,821 cases of all forms of Tuberculosis recorded during the year with 3,573 deaths, as compared with 13,886 with 4,190 deaths in 1951. It is noted that there was a welcome fall in the fatality rate to 24.1% for this year as com- pared with 30.2% in 1951.

72. The six leading causes of deaths from communicable diseases are:

Cares

Dincares

Totol

Deatha

Faulty

Hote

Chinese Non-Chinese|

1. Tubercalanda

3. Diphtheria

14778

42

14821

3573

241%%%

2. Eoleris (ever

1211

19

1230

158

12.8

979

987

157

15.9%

047

27

674

77

11.40

962

1010

46

1.5

6. Bac. Dysentery

269

66

335

6.29%

4. Mesales

5. Malaria

BF

Anti-Epidemic Measures

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78. The anti-epidemic work consisted mainly of immuniza- tion against smallpox, cholera and diphtheria. A campaign against typhoid fever was also initiated. With assistance from U.N.I.C.E.F. a special campaign against diphtheria was inaugurated, the object being to protect 200,000 children in two years. Publicity was started early and by the end of the year 65,008 1st doses and 33,332 2nd doses were given. Refore 31st March, 1953, however, the target figure of 200,000 had already been excceded.

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