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21
CHOLERA.
Cholera, which had existed along the banks of the Volga during 1907, and
reached St. Petersburg, became epidemic in 1908 in St. Petersburg. The
infection spread to several Russian Baltic Ports. The disease still exists in
St. Petersburg and Cronstadt, and this is a serious matter, as, in the natural
course of events, it should die out during the winter months. It is therefore
to be expected that it will recur in St. Petersburg in the spring and summer
months.
There is danger of it spreading to many towns in the interior of Russia as
well as ports on the northern littoral of Europe. The danger to this country
of the importation of this disease is increased owing to the numbers of alien
immigrants which come from ports of northern Europe. Such passengers
have all been medically examined at Gravesend on arrival, and have only
been allowed to leave the vessel and land in London on my being satisfied
that they are going to the addresses furnished. It is extremely probable that
these restrictions will have to be kept up during the greater part of the
coming year.
Cholera has also existed in Southern Russia and many towns in the interior,
and was carried from Southern Russia into Persia and Asiatic Russia.
Cholera also existed in India, Ceylon, Siam, Straits Settlements, Philippine
Islands, and China, and there were several epidemics in Japan.
The s.s. "Logician," of Liverpool, 102,160, left Calcutta on February 15th,
1908. At that time Cholera was prevalent there.
A supply of water was taken in before leaving, and the next call of the
vessel was at Colombo on the 23rd February, where a further supply of
water was taken in from a water-boat.
On February 19th an able seaman was taken ill at 2.30 p.m., suffered with
severe diarrhoea and cramps in the body, and died at 9.30 p.m. The master
supposed this to be a case of sunstroke.
On February 24th a fireman, at 5 a.m., ailed with diarrhoea, rice water
stools, and died at 3.30 p.m. on the 27th.
On February 24th a steward ailed, at 6 a.m., with diarrhoea and cramps,
and he recovered.
On February 26th a fireman ailed with cramps and diarrhoea at 6 a.m., and
died the same day at 1.45 p.m.
These men were all British, belonging to Liverpool. In all probability the
first man contracted the disease at Calcutta, and the others were infected
from him.