NOTES AND STATISTICS ON VACCINATION IN BURMA FOR THE YEAR 1903-04.
3
9. Lymph supply.—The Meiktila Vaccine Depôt was in charge of Major
J. Penny, I.M.S., up to 8th March 1903 when he was relieved by Lieutenant
D. J. F. O'Donoghue, R.A.M.C., who was in charge till 2nd April 1903 and
for the remainder of the year Major T. W. Stewart, I.M.S., was the Superinten-
dent.
The total number of calves vaccinated was 557 of which 456 were successful
as compared with 386 and 342 respectively in the previous year.
From these calves 68.73 ounces of pure lymph pulp was obtained which after
admixture with lanoline was sufficient to vaccinate 492,476 cases.
Statement No. I.
The general results obtained were 87.20 per cent. of success in primary and
54.97 in re-vaccination.
The Superintendent draws attention to the want of uniformity in the results
returned by different districts, as for instance paste No. 304 was distributed to 7
stations, of these 5 reported over 90 per cent. of success, 2 over 80, one over 70 and
in one station total failure was reported. Paste No. 152 was distributed to 14
stations, of these 8 returned over 90 per cent., 2 over 80, 2 over 70, one 23.63 and
one 19.23. Varying results from the same district not infrequently occur in the
hands of different vaccinators. This, the Superintendent believes, to be due to
vaccinators in some instances not taking sufficient care of the paste to guard it
against exposure to sun heat and failing to thoroughly rub the material into the
abrasions on children's arms.
During the months of March and April the results were not very satisfactory
owing, it is suggested, to deterioration of the vaccine organism from high atmos-
pheric temperature. This is being investigated with a view to improving the
manufacture.
Statement No. II.
The total cost of the establishment comes to Rs. 8,475-15-1 as compared
with Rs. 8,374-1-11 in the previous year and the average cost of production of
lymph per case was 3 pies.
Statement No. II.
10. Expenditure.— The total cost of the provincial vaccine department for
1903-1904 amounted to Rs. 94,331-2-0 as compared with Rs. 85,828-11-2 in the
preceding year. The extra expenditure was due partly to the larger staff em-
ployed.
The cost of each successful case was 4 annas 7 pies against 4 annas 5 pies
in the previous year.
The average cost of each successful case varied from Rs. 1-1-7 in Han-
thawaddy ; 14 annas 4 pies in Thatôn ; 11 annas 8 pies in Chin Hills and 11 annas
1 pie in Rangoon to 2 annas 1 pie in Henzada; 2 annas 2 pies in Tavoy ; 2 annas
4 pies in Myaungmya and 2 annas 6 pies in Upper Chindwin district.
Statement No. IV.
11. This statement compares the primary vaccinations and the success ob-
tained in each of ten years ending 1903-04 by Government, Municipal and Local
Funds as well as in Native States, Dispensaries and in Cantonments. This state-
ment calls for no remarks.
Statement No. V.
12. Of the number vaccinated 39 per cent. were inspected against 37 in
1902-03.
The inspections of Native Superintendents show an increase but are still
lower than they should be.
RANGOON:
The 26th May 1904.
C. C. LITTLE, COL., M.D., I.M.S.,
Superintendent-General of Vaccination, Burma.