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27
CHOLERA.
During the year Cholera has been prevalent in several Eastern countries,
notably in Egypt, where thousands of cases have occurred, including many in
Cairo and Alexandria.
Nearly 2,000 towns and villages throughout Egypt have been affected.
Vessels arriving from Egyptian ports particularly, have accordingly been
closely watched with a view to the detection of any case of this disease. In
all, twenty cases have been reported on vessels arriving during the year, but
no case has been found on any vessel arriving in the Port.
On the 7th June, the s.s. " Statesman," of Liverpool, arrived at Gravesend,
having left Calcutta on the 4th May. A native cook was attacked on the 8th
with Cholera, and died the following day. The body was buried at sea, after
being seen by a doctor at Suez, who certified that the cause of death was
Cholera. The vessel was thoroughly disinfected at Suez, together with all
bedding and effects, which were treated on shore. On arrival at Gravesend
it was ascertained that no further cases had occurred, and as all were found
well on board, the vessel was allowed to proceed to dock.
On the 4th July, the s.s. " Machaon," of Liverpool, from Yokohama, arrived
at Gravesend, and reported that 17 Chinese had died of Cholera during the
voyage. One case occurred on the 14th May, two on the 15th, four on the
16th, two on the 17th, one on the 18th, two on the 19th, one on the 21st, two
on the 22nd, two on the 23rd. Seven were buried at Singapore and ten at
sea. The vessel, together with all bedding and effects, was thoroughly disinfected
at Singapore, all effects belonging to the deceased being destroyed.
On arrival at Gravesend, all being well on board, no further action was
deemed necessary, and the vessel accordingly proceeded to dock. She was
kept under daily observation during her stay, but no further sickness, even of
a suspicious nature, occurred.
On the 27th November, the s.s. "Norwood," of West Hartlepool, from
Alexandria, arrived at Gravesend, and reported having landed one of the crew
at Alexandria suffering from Cholera. This was the only case that had
occurred on board, and on medical inspection by your Medical Officer, all
on board were found well. The holds, cabins and forecastle, with all effects,
had been thoroughly disinfected at Alexandria, and no further action was
therefore necessary.
YELLOW FEVER.
No case of Yellow Fever has been reported during the year.