142
Duration of the Illness.
This varies much and is proportionate to the intensity and the development of the disease on admission. The slighter degrees of the illness get well within a short time, but the more severe the illness the more prolonged is the period that it has to be subjected to treatment, and the more prolonged the convalescence. Some cases were in hospital under treatment for upwards of one hundred and two hun- dred days; one indeed for as long as 360 days. In an analysis of nearly 3,000 cases we find that the average duration of treatment was 40 days for males, and 42 days for females. Nothing definite, however, can be laid down. Variations occur as in all diseases that run an acute, sub-acute or chronic course.
Its Mortality.
In the majority of countries where the disease is endemic or epidemic the percentage rate of mortality is low. Thus in Japan SCHEUBE noted a percentage of 3.7%, but BALZ only 2.5%. In one hospital in Tokyo it was barely 1% for men, and 3%, for women. In the Dutch Indies the troops suffered to the extent of 2% to 6%. Among the Chinese in Sumatra and native Javanese and Filipinos it was stated at one time to be from 60% to 70%. Latterly, however, the mortality is low. The last figures are exceptional.
In Hongkong the death-rate has been persistently high. The Table No. XI shews this.
Of 3,118 cases analysed, 1,510 died--males contributing a percentage of 49%, and females 35·4%. Each year there was a slight variation, but a uniformly high level was maintained; among the males the variation was from 58·5% to 34·8% with an average mortality of 49·5%-among the females the variation was greater, from 62.5% to 15.4% with an average of 35·4%.
We are unable to offer any explanation of this very high mortality, save that we might take into consideration the fact that a fairly large number of cases was admitted moribund, dying within a few hours, or so ill that they died within one, two, or three days of admission.
Year.
Moribund.
Died within One Day.
Died within Two Days
Died within Three Days.
Males. Females. Males. Females. Males. Females. Males. Females.
1896,
1897,
42
1898,
24
1899,
39
1900,
83
1901,
54
1902,
90
1903,
61
1904,
115
*PN15 30 10 0 ko
17
2
28
0
13
5
1
0
0
31
1
17
10
22
0
7
()
0
4
10.
0
25
3
21
508
19
122
5
92
67
2
Duration of Treatment (in cases which succumbed).
The duration of treatment in hospital varied greatly. A few cases were under treatment for long periods-for instance, one died 210 days after admission, a few
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.