Annual report of the Medical Department / Colony of the Gambia.

  • Gambia. Medical Department.
Date:
[1912]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Annual report of the Medical Department / Colony of the Gambia. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    11/50 (page 9)
    As the last case of yellow fever had taken place in November, 1911, it was decided to fumigate all quarters in the vicinity where the cases had occurred, so as to destroy all possibly infected mosquitos ; and also to fumigate all Govern¬ ment quarters, cellars, and buildings of private persons, who were willing to allow this precaution to be carried out. This was continued up to August, and some 500 rooms and cellars and a few cutters were dealt with. 15,000 yards were inspected during the year; the mosquito index falling from 18 5 per cent, in the first quarter to 1*3 per cent, in the last. Mosquito proofing has been completed in all living quarters, offices and cellars; and all the trading firms have carried out the recommendations to protect their white officials. Every European now lives in a protected room. A portion (some 3,000 square yards) of Half Die has been filled above flood level. The Stegomyia species of mosquito has now practically disappeared. Among the specimens caught in different parts of the town at the end of the last quarter only two were Stegomyia, the remainder being mainly Oulex. About 40 acres of mangroves have been cut in the west side of the town; this work has greatly diminished the number of mosquitos. 1,000 lineal yards of useless earth drains have been filled in. A large quantity of quinine (over 7,000 doses) was issued to school children, and the masters report improved health on the part of the children. Steps have been taken to remove all the European Officials out of Bathurst, and at least two bungalows will be erected in Marine Parade next year with this object in view. Two hundred and eighty-two notices to abate nuisances were issued, followed by 28 summonses and 27 convictions. The Public Health Ordinance, No. 4 of 1912, was passed in Council in September and received sanction. Staff. The Sanitary Staff consisted of :— The Chairman, Board of Health. The Senior Sanitary Officer. The Medical Officer of Health. The European Town Warden. The Inspector of Nuisances. 5 Assistant Inspectors of Nuisances. 40 Labourers in the Dry Season 70 do. Rainy Season 5 Cartmen. 1 Groom. 4 Lamplighters. average. Epidemic Disease. Smallpox. Four mild cases were treated in the Infectious Diseases Hospital; all recovered. 2