8 O O — QUARANTINE.

WADI-HALF A QUARANTINE.

With the exception of two small batches which arrived on April 12th. and June 21st. respectively, the station was not opened until September 27th. From that date it was in continual use until December 11th.

Up to October 15th. the less seriously infected bilharzia cases (up to a maximum of 12% of the whole) were treated, cured, and allowed to proceed to their destinations. This was in accordance with the procedure in previous years and was carried out to avoid an overwhelming number of rejections for this disease.

From October 15th. onwards it was found possible to arrange for a preliminary examination of all the labourers to be carried out at Luxor by a British doctor, and during this period no further cases were detained in the quarantine station for treatment. This very greatly lightened the work of the station. In 3pite of the preliminary examination at Luxor a considerable number of bilharzia cases succeeded, by substitution and by other means, in getting through to Wadi-Halfa. From October 15th. onward .341 persons (7.29%) were rejected for bilharzia. This compares with a percentage of 16.5 bilharzia cases (found on examination) for the period before a preliminary examination was in force. It is hoped that this percentage will be further reduced in the coming year.

The total number of Egyptian labourers passed through the station was 7,743 as against 8,763 in the previous year. , The staff employed at the station during the active periods was as follows: — Two Syrian medical officers; one of these was also in charge of the district, the other was only employed on quarantine work.

Permanent:— Two laboratory assistants. One fitter. One chief ghaffir.

Temporary:— 21 ghaffirs and workmen. One cook.

A medical inspector was only able to be spared for the supervision of this work from 30th October to 28th November, 1928.