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12
INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
The total number of cases reported to your Medical Officer of Health during the
year was 1,059, the average annual number for the decennium ending 31st December
last being 433.7 (see Table II.). It will be noticed that there was a large increase
in the number of cases of Measles reported. Practically the whole of these were
reported as having occurred on vessels in the transport service, and had been landed
elsewhere.
Reported cases of Small-pox were below the average, while Enteric Fever was
about normal, and Scarlet Fever and Diphtheria were below the mean.
Five cases of Cholera or Suspected Cholera were reported on vessels, but for the
second year in succession no case of Plague.
Of the cases admitted to Hospital, the majority were of Enteric Fever, namely
34 or 64.1 per cent. of the total admissions.
I append as usual a few notes in such cases as are of general interest.

*This case was fatal and the body was buried at sea. The remainder were all landed at foreign ports.
CHOLERA.
A vessel arrived from Yokohama on the 18th October last, when it was reported
that a case of Cholera had occurred on board during the voyage. Patient was taken
ill on August 16th, and died on the 17th, the body being buried at sea. Disinfection
of vessel and effects were carried out, and the water tanks pumped out. No further
case occured.
A vessel arrived on the 13th December, and it was reported that a case of Cholera
had been removed therefrom at Basra on the 23rd September last. The fresh water
tanks were emptied and cleaned and infected bedding landed with the patient. No
further case occurred, and the facts were reported to the Local Government Board.