97
Rat mortality.
{m) The extent to which rats suffered from plague and their relation as to time and
extent between outbreak of plague among these
animals and human beings has already been
referred to. No mention was made of plague among other animals.
Dr. Jones states that the people were advised and encouraged to destroy rats,
but that nothing was done, as the Muhammadans looked upon plague a visitation of Prov-
idence and the Hindus object to destroying the life of any animal.
The proportion of bubonic to other forms of plague in the Siálkot District is shown
in Statement No. 5 (Appendix A). It will be seen that the bubonic type prevailed.
Of the variations in the severity of the disease Dr. Jones writes :—
" The virulence of plague varies without rhyme or reason in the various villages infect-
ed, sometimes appearing among Mussalmáns and sometimes amongst the Hindus according
to the caste that first got the infection.
" It appears in a most virulent form in one village, another village may become
infected form this and have it in a mild form, and vice versa,
" In some places--as Jámke—I saw some cases of mild or ambulatory kind, and yet
no place had it more virulently than Jamke.
" Again, appearing virulently, it leaves suddenly or gradually without any change in
the condition or circumstances of the people.
" Raya Tahsíl became infected before Daska. Yet it kept to a few villages in the
north and north-west sides of it, whereas in Daska, appearing later, it spread like wild fire
and hung on later in this tahsíl than others."
Classes affected.
(n) Except for the greater prevalence of plague among the poor and among women,,
no special reference is made by the Plague
Medical Officer as to the liability to or
immunity from plague of any special classes of the population.
Captain Hugo, however, writes that in Siálkot City the Khatr's and Bhábra com-
munities suffered most, and it is mentioned in the Deputy Commissioner's report that more
Hindus died in proportion to the population than Muhammadans. Among the latter the
classes that suffered most were Aráíns, Lohárs and labourers. In Siálkot City 2 disinfecting
coolies were attacked, one of whom died : neither had been inoculated. No universal
features of plague were noticed and no opportunity occurred for observing the effects of
treatment.
Recommendations.
(0) The Deputy Commissioner recommends the extensive adoption of inoculation; he
also recommends the holding of a darbár at
which rewards and sanads should be given to
those who signally interested themselves in plague matters.
Among the recommendations made by Dr. Jones was the issue to Lambardárs and
others of printed sheets of instructions regarding plague, the importance of cleanliness and
of avoidance of intercourse with infected places, a desirability of destroying rats, and of
avoiding touching bodies of those animals recently died of plague, the necessity for
special care to avoid infection from pneumonic cases of plague and other preventive
measures.
Dr. Jones also recommends the grant of rewards to Zaildárs and others as stimulants
to exertions in connection with plague and the employment of officials, such as Náib
Tahsíldárs, on plague duty and on ordinary district work.
Staff and Establishment.
The following Medical Officers and sub-
ordinates were employed on plague duty
in the district :—
(1) Dr. L. Jones, L. M. s.
(2) Assistant Surgeon Mathra Das.
(3) Assistant Surgeon D. N. Mukhopadhya, with one Hospital Assistant and two
Compounders.
GUJRANWALA DISTRICT.
51. Plague appeared in the Gujránwála District for the first time during the year
under report. The three tahsilsof Wazirabad, Gujránwála, and Khángah Dogran, including
the head-quarters of each tahsíl, were infected, and 3,319 cases of plague with 2,244 deaths
occurred.