2
NOTES AND STATISTICS ON VACCINATION
calmly with vaccination wherever it could be received voluntarily, and thus, by
offering ocular demonstration, prove that vaccination methods were not to be
distrusted. In localities not directly affected by " plague scare," increase has
been exhibited. Thus, Akyab District shows a very good increase of 8,307.
Tavoy, which was singled out last year as an instance of unsatisfactory results,
has shown a satisfactory increase of 4,787.
Appendix B
Statement
No. I.
5. In Municipalities in which compulsory vaccination is in force, the accuracy
of work varies very considerably. To judge results of infantile vaccination
merely by registered births with deductions for deaths of infants, takes no note of
emigration or immigration, and, on the other hand, is based upon registration which,
it may be taken, does not include the full number of births. There is therefore
room for error on both sides. Thus judged, however, the following towns were
found to have returned less infantile vaccination than warranted by their own
statistics, Akyab, Kyaukpyu, Sandoway, Gyobingauk, Letpadan, Thônzè, Pyapôn,
Kyaiklat, Ngathainggyaung, Henzada, Thatôn, Kyaikto, Tavoy, Toungoo,
Shwegyin, Sagaing, Shwebo, Kyauksè, Taungdwingyi, and Meiktila. In the
Municipality of Rangoon, the work performed was less by 7,256 cases than in
the previous year. In 1905-06, 45,450 cases were performed, or an excess of
24,081 over the previous year. This was due to special efforts by the Health
Officer (Major Williams, I.M.S.) in reference to the severe epidemic of
small-pox, which was at its maximum in the first half year of 1906. During that
period the mills were systematically searched, with the result of 30,308 persons
being re-vaccinated.
Statement
No. I.
Statement
No. V.
6. The total successful vaccination rate for the whole Province for primary
cases, excluding those classed as "unknown," was 90.65 per cent. and re-vaccina-
tion 52.39 per cent.* In primary cases in 3.79 per cent. the results were not
traceable, and in the case of revaccinations, 21.14 per cent. In the latter case,
the figure is very heavy, and emphasizes the necessity for more and better inspec-
ting agency. Whilst vaccinators reported a success of 90.65 per cent. of primary
vaccination, Civil Surgeons, on their inspections, found the average to be 89.20
and Native Superintendents 88.28 per cent. By the former agency, 60,290 cases
were inspected and by the latter 56,372.
Statement
No I.
7. In Rangoon Town, primary vaccination yielded 83.10 per cent. of success
against 84.86 in the previous year. Having regard to the fact that the vaccine
is manufactured within Municipal limits, and is capable of being distributed and
stored with all care as to the influence of temperature, the virulence of the vaccine
employed, or the skill of the vaccinators concerned, must be greatly at fault.
Whatever be the facts as to the latter, the chances are decidedly that the former
is the chief factor in the case. The depôt at the disposal of the Health Officer
is so ill-fitted for the successful cultivation of vaccine that he has reported he
has never been able to continue a strain from generation to generation of calves,
but has to trust to importation of stock from India or Meiktila. At time of my
writing these Notes, there are indications of the Municipality awakening to the
necessity of erecting a suitably built and suitably equipped depôt. It is out of
the question that so important a matter, concerning the health of every family in
the Municipal limits, should be dealt with otherwise than liberally and in accord
with modern demands.
8. In Meiktila, Major Entrican continues to persevere in making the
supply of vaccine for the whole Province with the exception of Rangoon, in the
face of recognized difficulties as to the adverse temperature in certain months.
Not only was this usual difficulty in satisfactorily cultivating animal lymph
experienced, but he had reason to complain bitterly of the character of anhydrous
lanoline with which he was supplied. Anhydrous lanoline for vaccination
purposes must be free from glycerine fats, and water, and be constantly neutral.
He, however, had to deal with an acid product that rapidly caused deterioration
of vaccine with which it was brought in contact instead of preserving it. He
has now been supplied with what it is hoped may prove a better variety. In
consequence, a very large proportion of the total lymph issued was glycerinated.
* The previous year's figures were—for primary vaccination, 90.80 per cent., and, for re-vaccination'
53.25 per cent. The difference is not sufficiently great to demand special remarks.