ENG-1950 — Page 70

(f) Measles:

There have been 453 cases with 64 deaths giving a mortality rate of 14%. An interesting feature during the current year is that this disease and pertussis flared up unexpectedly in the summer and early autumn. No general epidemic developed, however, and the disease has not been quite so prevalent as in former years. 12.8% of the sufferers were non-Chinese.

(g) Pertussis:

There has been a marked rise in incidence in 1950, 306 cases with 16 deaths being recorded, giving a case fatality of 5.2%. The peak period occurred in October but was preceded by an unexpected increase during July, August, and September, the time of year when the disease is normally less prevalent. The percentage of non- Chinese children affected was also relatively high particularly amongst the families of members of the armed Forces.

(h) Rabies:

The sharp outbreak of 1949 continued during the first half of 1950 but was brought under control by the middle of the year. 11 human cases and 10 animal cases occurred. Hong Kong Island has been entirely free of rabies since January 1948.

(i) Puerperal fever:

10 cases of this disease were reported with 6 deaths, giving a 60% case mortality. In all cases the mother was ignorant and living under poor hygienic conditions. As usual, modern medical care was sought too late.

(i) Tuberculosis:

This disease continued to be the major problem amongst notifiable diseases. 9,067 cases were reported with 3,263 deaths, giving a case mortality rate of 36%. The increasing figures year by year probably reflect a growing confidence in modern medical help rather than a true increase in incidence.

Year

Cases

Deaths

Mortality rate

1946

2,801

1,818

64.9%

1947

4,855

1,863

38.4%

1948

6,279

1,961

31.2%

1949

7,510

2,611

34.7%

1950

9,067

3,263

36.0%

(k) Infantile paralysis:

This disease was more serious during 1950 than in any former year on record. There were 16 cases with 3 deaths. The non-Chinese population, particularly young female adults fairly recently arrived, appeared to be disproportionately susceptible. There were five European cases, with 2 deaths, compared with 11 Chinese cases with one death. All the Chinese were child cases, whereas four of the European sufferers were between 26 and 30 years old.

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