Health > Collaboration with the Ministry of Health of the National Government of the Republic of China

— 43 —
The following types of vessels exist:
(a) Lighters to the number of more than 300 on the Port Register.
(b) Cargo-boats serving as small lighters to the number of 3,000 to 4,000.
(c) Sampans numbering about 1,200 used in ferrying traffic.
(d) Launches and motor-boats plying as public ferries.
(a) and (b) The lighters and cargo-boats could be fumigated as far as their under¬
deck space is concerned by gaseous fumigants, and, in addition, trapping and examination
of rats and fleas would be a measure of value for the information obtained as to the
prevailing species of rats and fleas.
It has to be remembered that many such vessels form the homes of families and,
in consequence, gaseous fumigation has a limited application.
(c) In addition to the sampans plying for hire, there are many permanently located
in the creeks. These form the habitation of families also and the need for an investigation
into their sanitary condition is undoubted.
Here, also, if rat-catching were found possible, the results obtained would give an
indication of the measures necessary for adoption.
Wharves and Warehouses.
So far as the wharves are concerned, the question of sanitary supervision, ratproofing,
trapping, etc., would appear to be a matter for an understanding and arrangement with
the owners, as the information obtained indicates that most of them are owned by com¬
panies and business firms.
At the same time, the ratproofing of the warehouses along and near the waterfront
followed by the collection and examination of rats and their fleas could be taken in hand.
This matter is of prime importance, and not less important than the undertaking
of the work is the co-ordination and supervision of it, if possible by the quarantine service.
Quarantine Station.
Before proceeding with a discussion of what quarantine establishment is necessary
to meet the needs of Shanghai, a moment’s consideration might be given to the purposes
which may be served by a quarantine station fitted with modern equipment.
These are:
(1) Isolation and treatment of sick persons removed from vessels;
(2) Observation of persons suspected of being in the incubation period of
disease;
(3) Observation of persons exposed to infection;
(4) Disinfection of vessels, persons, and things which are infected or exposed
to infection.
When speaking of “ disease ” and of sick persons, we particularly mean the
quarantinable disease—■ plague, cholera, smallpox, typhus and yellow fever—-envisaged
by the International Sanitary Convention, 1926; but we may also have to deal with other
communicable diseases, such as cerebro-spinal meningitis, scarlet fever, diphtheria,
enteritis, etc.