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An hour later the three patients were placed in an ambulance, after landing on stretchers
in the "Howard Deighton", for admission to the Gravesend and North Kent Hospital for treatment
for shock from which all three were suffering in high degree.
I should add that the victims were submerged before rescue for at least 3-4 minutes, apart
from the grave risk of being squashed between the two tugs. The yacht was only a small half
decked sailing dingy built mainly of plyboard.
Later I telephoned the hospital and learned that all three were progressing favourably.
Two were detained and one allowed home in the care of friends".
SECTION X - OBSERVATIONS ON THE OCCURRENCE OF MALARIA ON SHIPS
Seventeen cases of malaria were reported on ships during the year under review as compared
with seven cases during 1957. Seven of the cases were passengers, who had embarked at
West African Ports; they had fully recovered on arrival in London. The remaining cases were
seamen.
The Ministry of Transport have issued a Notice which gives the following advice on the
prevention of malaria:—
General Precautions
"(i) Ships calling at malarious ports should lie as far off shore as possible, as mosquitoes
may be carried long distances by wind from the shore.
(ii) Communication between the ship and the shore should be cut down to an absolute minimum,
or even forbidden, between the hours of dusk and dawn. This applies especially to loading
barges, fruit boats, etc., which are likely to carry infected mosquitoes from the shore to the
ship.
(iii) If possible, portholes, doors, ventilators, etc., should be mosquito-proofed. This
measure should be completed a day or so before arriving in a malarious area, and kept in operation
for at least four days after leaving. Failing this, mosquito nets should be supplied to each
member of the crew and to every passenger.
(iv) No one should be allowed ashore except for very urgent reasons, and no one should be
allowed to remain ashore after dusk.
(v) No one should be allowed to sleep on deck, unless provided with a suitable mosquito
net, which must be used in a proper fashion to prevent mosquito bites.
(vi) All lights not absolutely essential for the working of the ship, should be screened, as
these are liable to attract mosquitoes from long distances.
(vii) After sunset all persons should wear sufficient clothing to protect the whole body from
mosquito bites (long sleeves, long trousers, two pairs of socks, etc.). Fans are useful in helping
to keep mosquitoes away, but are not a certain protection. The exposed portions of the body
(wrists, behind the ears, ankles, back of neck, etc.) should be smeared with culicifugcs after
dusk. The best is dimethyl phthalate (DMP).
It must be remembered, however, that the effects of these substances only last for about
three hours or so, and that the application must then be renewed.
(viii) Cabins, bathrooms, etc., should be sprayed before bedtime and in the early morning.
Special attention should be given to all dark corners, the inside of wardrobes, spaces under
bunks, behind baths, etc. Insecticides containing DDT or Gammexane and pyrethrum are especially
useful. Sticks of incense burning in cabins will also tend to keep mosquitoes away.
(ix) Curtains and other materials hanging in the cabins should be well shaken and any
mosquitoes destroyed before turning in.
(x) Bathing should be carried out during the hours of daylight and not after dark.
(xi). All persons feeling "off colour" should report to the Medical Officer at once, as this
may be a premonitory symptom of a malarial attack, and early treatment is absolutely essential.
Drag Prophylaxis
When a vessel is proceeding to a malarious area it is advisable to use drugs for suppressive
treatment.
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