Climate.
Water-supply,
31
SOUTHERN DISTRICT.
The health of the Native Troops has been on the whole good, with the exception of an
epidemic of dengue during the last third of the year. The admissions from this cause
number :—Garrison Trichinopoly 51 ; 19th Regiment N. I. 570 ; 38th Native Infantry 576;
26th Regiment N. I. 666 ; total 1,763—with one casualty. The epidemic was general, and the
civil population suffered very considerably.
The total average strength of the Native Troops was 4,490 : —Admissions 3,525 (1,763
of which were due to dengue) and 31 deaths. The chief diseases were fevers, rheumatic
affections, diseases of the eye, stomach and bowels, abscesses, ulcers, skin-diseases, and
wounds and injuries.
Not a single case of cholera occurred during the year, even the Strirungum festival
terminated without a case. No other epidemic than that above noted has occurred.
One casualty, in an European Officer, 25th Regiment, from cancer of the stomach,
occurred at Cannanore.
A comparison with the previous year shows, that were the admissions from dengue
excluded, the total entries into hospital falls short by 402, and the death rate 3 less than
1871.
Causes of sickness and mortality .—In the annual sanitary reports of the native regiments
coming within this circle of medical administration, together with this garrison, as forming
the head-quarters of the command, there has been but little, if any, deviation in the alleged
causes of sickness and mortality, (with one exception to be noticed hereafter). The seasonal
changes, however, at head-quarters have considerably varied from the general average of
years, as reported by the Garrison Surgeon, whose remarks are here quoted. " The climate
during the past year has differed very considerably from the general average of years.
The rain-fall has been 43 inches, exceeding the usual average, by 8 inches. The cold has also
been greater and has extended over a longer period. The maximum of the thermometer
during the year being 107° in May and 62° the maximum in December." The climate on
the western coast has been about the usual average.
Causes of
sickness and
mortality.
Throughout the entire circle of administration, the public health has been good, except
-ing an epidemic of " dengue," which commenced here in August and terminated in
November, attacking high and low, rich and poor, alike. A special report on this
epidemic having been already submitted, it is needless to enter into a recapitulation,
suffice it to say, that each case differed more or less from the other. In some, the symptoms
were severe, while in others, mild. Head-ache, and racking pains in the joints being the
most prominent symptoms and characteristic of the disease. Not a single case of cholera
has been authenticated during the year and the assertion may be hazarded that it has almost,
if not entirely, disappeared ; even the annual festival at Strirungum terminated without a
case, a circumstance unknown until within the past two years.
Palamcottah and Quilon, Mangalore, Trichoor and Cannanore, were alike exempt from
any epidemic, save with the exception of Quilon, when visited by dengue.
On the whole, the healthy state of the Native Troops has been good, the admissions into
hospital, omitting those occurring from dengue, have been less, and the death-rate smaller.
19th Regiment Madras Native Infantrg.
The 19th was stationed at Singapore during the first months of the year,
but arrived at Trichinopoly in May 1871. Surgeon-Major Williamson had
medical charge, and writes the report :—
Climate.—The climate of Trichinopoly as a rule is hot and dry, but during the year
under review the rains were unusually hard.
Water-supply .—Unfortunately the latrines were originally built in close proximity to
the well which contains the best drinking water. The water is very good and the 38th
sepoys take from this well also.
Diet .—The rice used by the sepoys has averaged 10.95 measures for a rupee, and the
compensation money has averaged 15 annas and 1 pice. Raggi, the only other grain used
in any quantity by the 19th sepoys, has averaged 24.5 measures for a rupee. Vegetables have
been tolerably abundant and cheap.
Duty .—There being three native regiments stationed here, the guard duties are light.
Average number of nights in bed.
Havildars . . .
5 ¾
Naigues . . .
4
Privates . . .
7 ¼
Drill .—During the drill season the regiment has had an hour's drill morning and
evening, four times a week, between the hours of 5-45 and 6-45 in the morning, and 5 and
6 o'clock in the evening.
Diet.
Duty.
Drill.
Vaccination .—No small-pox has occurred, 55 cases have been re-vaccinated.
nation has been interrupted on account of the epidemic of dengue.
Vacci-Vaccination.