Prevention Of Blackwater

Fever

''fHE fallowing stern note on black water and malaria fever was inserted in the Papua-New Guinea Gazette by the Director of Public Health in the Territory, Dr. J. T.

Gunther. It is self-explanatory.— SINCE the beginning of the Civil Ad ministration there have been four deaths from blackwater fever, a re cent one occurring in Sydney whilst an officer of the Administration was on leave Blackwater fever is a disease which is caused by repeated attacks of inade quately treated malignant tertian malaria Its onset is brought about eventually by certain physical changes such as sudden cold or by drugs, an important one of which is quinine. All suppressive drugs taken in their correct dosage such as;— Quinine, 5 grains ner dav, Mephacrine Hydrochloride (“Atebrin), 1 tablet per day, “Paludrine,” 1 tablet every three days, will definitely prevent the development of blackwater fever as these drugs in this dosage will, in almost all instances, com pletely suppress malignant tertian malaria. Dosages of the drugs less than those given will predispose towards that condition which allows blackwater fever to become established. If the drugs are not taken properly blackwater fever can be looked upon as a self-inflicted disease.

In those cases where circumstances do not allow the correct taking of a suppres sive drug, then the earliest and proper treatment of any malaria fever should be undertaken. At least 30 grains of quinine should be taken in the first day of the fever, and continued until the fever subsides.

“Paludnne” and “Atebrin” can also be used in the treatment of malaria fever, but should be done under the supervision of a trained person.

In conclusion, it is nointed out that blackwater fever still has a mortality rate in the vicinity of 25 per cent.