ENG-1949 — Page 103

represents a considerable increase in the number of cases of amoebic dysentery.

(g) Rabies

The worst outbreak on record occurred during the year. There were 40 canine cases proved and 20 human fatalities. The following table shows the monthly occurrence of the

cases.

Month

Canine

Human

No. of dog heads

brought in for No. of dogs

examination proved rabid

January

7

1

1

February

17

March

6

April

4

1

1

May

8

5

I

June

10

1

July

7

August

20

11

AN

2

4

September

44

October

23

November

10

00 10 00

8

4

5

2

3

5

December

8

4

1

Total:

.164

40

20

An intensive campaign was instituted to control stray dogs and new legislation was introduced making prophylactic inoculation of dogs inter alia, compulsory. The outbreak was largely confined to the urban area of the Kowloon Peninsula.

(h)) Measles

Four hundred and fifty eight cases were reported with 44 deaths giving a mortality rate of 9.6% as against 190 cases with 6 deaths giving a mortality rate of 3.2% for 1948. 235 of these cases occurred during the first 3 months of the year.

(i)

Puerperal Fever

Thirteen cases were reported with 6 deaths giving a mortality rate of 46.1% as against 10 cases with 5 deaths giving a mortality rate of 50% for 1948. An outbreak in one hospital lead to a strict control and inspection of the nursing and attendant staff.

(j) Tuberculosis

Seven thousand five hundred and ten cases were reported with 2,611 deaths.

75