ENG-1971 — Page 140

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HEALTH

population on personal anti-mosquito measures. While investiga- tions and control measures were undertaken, the horses were re- moved from the Beas River stables and isolated at the stables at Shan Kwong Road, Happy Valley. Five horses were affected, but all contracted the disease while at Beas River. There was no report of any human infection.

Acute Kerato-Conjunctivitis is a disease of worldwide distribution. It occurs as sporadic cases but epidemics are often reported. Its onset is acute causing redness and soreness of the eyes, hence locally known as 'red eye' disease. It tends to spread among families and in public places such as swimming pools. In early August the num- ber of patients attending the three government ophthalmic clinics for treatment of acute conjunctivitis increased suddenly. Between August 5 and 7 a total of 1,571 cases was seen. In the following week the number of cases rose to 4,909. The peak period was the 9th and 10th during which about 1,300 cases were seen on one day. After the 16th the outbreak began to decline and by the end of August the number of cases seen at the three ophthalmic clinics had returned to normal. Laboratory examinations were carried out on conjunc- tival and throat swabs taken from patients and preliminary findings suggested that the disease was of viral origin. Further investiga- tions to identify the aetiological agent were continued. Prior to the occurrence of the outbreak in Hong Kong there were reports of an infectious eye disease affecting the people in Canton and Macau. Strict quarantine measures were carried out at the points of entry, the public was given full warning on the importance of personal hygiene and other measures were taken to prevent the disease spreading. However it was self-limiting and there was no evidence of further outbreaks after the peak in August.

Other communicable diseases remain at a low level, and do not constitute a major public health problem. The number of cases of infectious diseases notified in 1971 is shown in Appendix 33.

PORT HEALTH SERVICE

The Port Health Service is responsible for the enforcement of the International Health Regulations as embodied in the Quarantine and Prevention of Disease Ordinance and the sanitary control of the port and airport areas. It provides facilities for the vaccination and the issue of International Vaccination Certificates to travellers, and for the inspection, deratting and the issue of International Deratting or Deratting Exemption Certificates to ships on international voy- age. It also gives medical assistance to ships in the harbour and