Health > Intergovernmental conference of Far-Eastern countries on rural hygiene : preparatory papers : national reports : report of Siam

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more economical and speedy in effect. The employment of
both means gives a relative index for checking the effectiveness
of results. The poisoned bait used consists of 18% arsenic
mixed with flour and smoked fish, and this was found the most
effective of the many preparations tested.
Laboratory work is always carried out in order to ascertain
the degree of effectiveness of the field measures. Trapping is
continued until laboratory tests indicate no further infection in
the rats caught, after which the measures are slowed down.
Public education in rat-proof constructions is constantly
fostered. The disposal of refuse and storage of food receive
particular attention. Standard plans for rice storage have been
prepared and distributed to many rural areas. The non¬
existence of plague for the last two years is a matter of
satisfaction to the Department of Public Health.
4. Ankylostomiasis.
Although hookworm infection is extensive in Siam, it can
nowhere be regarded as sufficiently intensive to assume the form
of a serious local disease.
In co-operation with the Rockefeller Foundation and the
Red Cross Society, the Administration started an extensive
•campaign against hookworm disease in 19*7’ an(f a period of
six years carried out effective measures for its suppression
among the rural population.
Since then, this phase of health work has been undertaken
solely by the Department of Public Health. The provincial
public health officers now directly control these activities and
give free treatment to all who need it. A good deal of educational
work has been undertaken, mainly as regards the construction of
latrines. The disease may be considered as being under effective
control in this country.
5. Tuberculosis.
This disease is fairly prevalent in Siam. Over ten thousand
deaths a year are shown by the statistics, but the scourge is
more common in urban centres than in rural districts.