Report by Professor W.J. Simpson on sanitary matters in various West African colonies and the outbreak of plague in the Gold Coast.

  • Simpson, W. J. (William John), Sir, 1855-1931.
Date:
1909
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Licence: In copyright

Credit: Report by Professor W.J. Simpson on sanitary matters in various West African colonies and the outbreak of plague in the Gold Coast. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Library & Archives Service. The original may be consulted at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Library & Archives Service.

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    pneumonic pla.^'ae in the Colony, all of Avhich were fatal ; 23 oi these occurred in Accra and 12 in the neighbouring villages. There was no rat infection connected with any of these. In the third outbreak, from the 28th of July to the 17th of August, there were six cases of plague in Accra, all pneumonic and fatal. Further details are given in the report on the outbreaks. Poj/ulariti/ and success of inoculation against Plcujiie. (9) [ might mention here the popularity with which preventive inoculation was received. This measure of prevention was very much appreciated and sought after by the natives of West Africa, and t am glad to be able to record that not a single accident or ill effect followed the inoculations, of which some 35,000 were ])erformed. This ha])py result was due to the great care and strictly antisejUic precautions with which the medical officers ])erformed the operation. The protective effect of the inoculations e\'en where the pneumonic plague prevailed appeared to be very marked. There were only four inoculated persons attacked with plague, all pneumonic ; one of these recovered, while the arrest of the disease in localities and villages after all the inhabitants were inoculated Avas frequently observed. Rats and Parasites. (10) Examination of the rats in the laboratory showed two species, {a) Cricetomys Gambianus (Water-house). {b) Mus Decuman us. No specimen of mus rattus was brought to the laboratory, Avhich would indicate its rarity. The })arasites found by Dr. Graham in and on the rat were of great variety and are of importance in that the flea alone has hitherto occupied sole attention as the only parasite possibly conve3'ing infection. Numeroue cutaneous parasites, cestodes, and nematodes were found, the names and descriptions of which are given in the report. The cestode Davainea (Guineensis) was found in SO per cent, of the Cricetomys sp. Nov. Gambianus examined. Results o f Autopsies. (11) The results of the post-mortem examination of a number of cases of plague are given. Danysz Virus. (12) Some interesting experiments are o-iven of the exaltation in strength of Danysz virus which had lost its virulence in the voyage to the West Coast. Experiments on Pif/s. (13) Some experiments Avere also made in feeding and inoculating pigs Avith plague material, Imt although the pigs lost weight, had a temperature for a few days, and looked sick, they did not take plague. Unfortunately the experiments could not be begun until near the end of the second outbreak. I should have liked to haA^e carried them further. The quantities used for the first ])igs Avere much smaller than those employed in China. Coastal Protective Measures and Quarantine Laws. Proi/ress in the c/ui/nnent of flic chief seaports against epidemic diseases. (14) Since the outbreak of plague much progress has been made towards the ecpiipment of the chief seaports of West Africa Avith means to protect them against the im])ortation of epidemic disease and the prevention of its extension. Freetown, Sekondi, Cape Coast Castle, Accra, Lagos, Forcados, and Calabar are uoav each provideil with the requisite disinfecting machinery. ObserA^ation camps or isolation stations are also being established. At Freetown an excellent observation camp is in course of lormation on the promontory on which the Lighthouse is built. It is admirably situated for the purpose, readily accessible from the river at ^lan-of-War Bay, Avell isolated from the town, and -easily guarded. An isolation hospital is being constructed and there will be a camj)