Scrub Typhus

Doctor's Grove Warning to Returning Territorians

rE following letter about the danger ous Tsutsugamushi Disease—other wise known as Scrub Typhus and Japanese River Fever —was published in the “Medical Journal of Australia,” of March 23: “Sir: With the impending return of the civil population to New Guinea and the adjacent islands, I feel that publicity should be given to the necessity for pre venting tsutsugamushi disease.

“It has long been known in Malaya that deserted and overgrown plantations are highly dangerous endemic foci for this disease. This fact was repeatedly verified during the New Guinea campaign.

“The only satisfactory protective mea sure at present known is the application of miticides such as di-butyl phthalate or benzyl benzoate. These can be applied by smearing the clothing with two ounces of either, or by impregnating it with a 5 per cent, emulsion (a 2 per cent, soap solution makes a satisfactory emulsifying agent). In the latter method the clothes are steeped in the emulsion, wrung out, and allowed to dry. Such clothes remain impregnated for three weeks, even after three washings. All the clothing, includ ing socks, but excluding underpants, should be treated. As an added pre caution, boots and shoes should be smeared daily.

“To destroy mites in areas where huts etc. are to be built, local spraying with creosote or a 5 per cent, solution of “666” is suitable; but it must be noted that ‘DDT’ is not effective against mites.

However, until areas can be satisfactorily cleared of mites and their rodent hosts, clothing impregnation should be prac tised by all outside workers.”

Yours, etc.,

J. T. Gunther.

University Club, Sydney, March 14, 1946.

Dr. Gunther was well known on the Morobe goldfield before the war. He joined the AIP, was with the Australians in Malaya, and spent some years as a POW in Changi. His warning should be given wide publicity.