“New Guinea-itis”

Its Diagnosis and Treatment

By M.G.

"DABAUL Inertia” is an endemic disease affecting the populace of the capital of T.N.G. The germ was isolated and named, I think, by the P.I.M.

Whether the complaint is curable is at present unknown, but that some people are immune is proved by such “live wares” as Jack Mullaly (late M.L.C.).

Another complaint which should re ceive more attention is “New Guinea itis.”

This is a disease often contracted by residents of New Guinea within 12 months of their arrival. Being so com mon, like hookworm, it is often ignored with most serious results.

Symptoms: Onset gradual, often un noticed by the patient but apparent to observers. Patient shows a disposition to excessive thirst, only assuaged by beer cr whisky. This is followed by a dis inclination to engage in any serious exercise, particularly if such can be designated as work. Loss of interest in his favourite authors and a craving for Edgar Wallace and the yellow-backs.

Collars and ties become abhorrent, whilst a white jacket may bring on a fit. Shaving causes considerable irrita tion, and will only be undertaken every two or three days. Intelligent interest in the natives will be displaced by an in tense hatred but complete surrender to their intrigues and machinations.

The patient becomes languid; the memory fails; desire to acquire further knowledge of any description will dis

appear. “Pidgin” will cease to flow from the mouth, but a hybrid English will be noticed having a bluish tinge. Distinct signs of “agin the Government” will appear, and the word “Mission” will cause great agitation.

As the disease progresses, the thirst in creases considerably. Exercise is ap parently impossible. The appetite (for solids) is lost, and meals are partaken very irregularly. The waistline shows considerable distention. The face becomes yellow and flaccid.

A liking for debts appears. Balanced reasoning and sensible discussion is lost, and the patient constantly complains of malaria and B.P.’s. Death is usually sud den and generally is annotated “Black water.”

Treatment: If the disease is chronic there is little hope of recovery. A term of imprisonment may assist, but the only cure so far known to be effective is removal from the source of infection.

Great difficulty is found, however, in inducing the patient to undertake this treatment.

Prolonged unemployment followed by deportation has been used with success, but care is necessary to prevent the patient suiciding. The application of the “dog act” has been tried without marked results.

Prevention: A nagging wife, who is herself not infected, is the best prophy lactic. Dire poverty or ten kids may stave off the onset but again suicide must be expected. Epsom salts have not proved successful!

Mr. F. W. Kitching, of the Lord Howe Island Board of Control which manages the affairs of the little island, arrived In Sydney by the Morinda on July 15.