SIND DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
137
information that cholera had existed some time previously at Kassim ke Joke near Mukkum
Beyla, and Major Sandeman was informed that one of the syces belonging to the Khan's
troops had died of the disease the day we arrived at Bagh. It was also stated that at Seebee,
Hajee Kesher, and other places the disease had been very fatal some weeks before. Inquiry
is made with great difficulty in this part of the world, and this is all the information bearing
on the-subject we have been able to obtain.
7. With regard to the water-supply, the troops were compelled to drink whatever was
available, and it is more than probable, when the prevalence of the disease in the district is re-
- c o l l e c t e d , t h a t t h e w a t e r w a s c o n t a m i n a t e d w i t h c h o l e r a d i s c h a r g e s . T h e w a t e r a t R o j h a n w a s
obtained from wells; at Kunda it was abundant, but at the same time it had traversed a large
tract of country in its passage to that place, and this tract is known to have been infected.
The water at Mukkun Beyla and Bagh was limited in quantity and stationary, and were the
fact established of the virus being imbibed by means of drinking water, and if the period
of incubation were known, it would not be difficult to settle definitely the place at which the
troops became infected, as water could be obtained at the halting places only. If troops are
to march through Cutch we should strongly recommend that a line of wells should be dug
between Rojhan and Dadur, as the water-supply is scanty, uncertain, and unsatisfactory.
8 . T h e e a r l i e r c a s e s p r o v e d r a p i d l y f a t a l , a n d w e r e o f a s e v e r e c h a r a c t e r , t h e p a t i e n t s
being much distressed by spasms and cramps; the latter cases
Character and type of disease.
suffered but little from these complications, but, on the other
hand, they afforded several instances of suppression of urine followed by urcemic poisoning.
9. There is no doubt that many cases of diarrhoea were prevented from developing into
cholera by the timely administration of the old-fashioned
Treatment.
cholera pills, consisting of opium, assafcetida, camphor, and
acetate of lead; as far as possible the cramps were relieved by shampooing, and as much
sodawater and effervescing medicine as was available was given to relieve the intense thirst;
mustard poultices were applied to check vomiting, and extract of beef was freely administered;
stimulants were given as required; corn-flour and rice were taken as soon as they could be
retained; blisters were applied to the loins and nape of the neck in cases of suppression of
urine, with marked benefit in at least two cases; and no efforts were spared to promote the
comfort of the sick in the difficult circumstances in which we are placed.
10. The kafilas we escorted suffered severely from the disease; it is not certain where it
first showed itself among them. There were found to be several cases among them at Hajee
Kesher, and these rapidly increased in number, and it is believed on good authority that at
least 50 of them died in the Pass. The stench arising from the imperfectly buried bodies
has rendered it impossible for us to encamp at the regular halting places in. the Bolan.
From noticing the small number of cases among the kafilas at Hajee kesher and the rapid
development of the disease amongst the caravans, as the distance from Hajee Kesher increased,
we infer that they caught the infection at the same place as the troops, either at Kunda,
Mukkun Beyla, or Bagh.
11. In conclusion, we have to express our regret at the small amount of information
we are able to afford, and that the urgent practical duties connected with the outbreak did
not admit of our being able to fill in the cholera register. We have the greatest gratifica--
tion in reporting that every possible assistance was given us in the most cordial manner by
Major Sandeman, Captains Humfrey and Scott, and by Lieutetant Harrison, who were con-
stant in their visits to the hospital. Our thanks are also due to Captains Reynolds and
Shepherd fort heir co-operation. We have pleasure in recording the excellent conduct of the
medical subordinates. Third Class Hospital Assistant Yenkut Ram, who was left in charge
of the sick at Hajee Kesher, deserves our thanks. We have further great pleasure in bringing
to notice the excellent conduct of medical pupil Taijee Aheer, who was constantly on duty in
the cholera tents during the outbreak; Hospital Assistants Teg Ali, Ramdyal, and Babajee,
Rawoot also behaved well.
12. I must add that Surgeon Duke has assisted me in the compilation of this paper;
throughout the outbreak he was associated with me in the management of the sick; we both
of us treated any case that came before us, whether the patient belonged to the civil or
military department; he has, therefore, countersigned this report.
Remarks on the site near the village of Mittree, on which the Political Escort, Khelat
Territory, is encamped.
BY DEPUTY SURGEON-GENERAL F. G. JOYNT, M.D.
The site occupied is portion of an alluvial plain stretching southward, but bounded on
east, west and north by a mount ai n r ange, over whi ch t he Bol an Pas s wi nds f r om a poi nt
some 18 or 20 miles west and by north of Mittree.
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