22 [CHAP. I., PT. III.
Major Ross writes from Poona :-
"The effect of health-camping was almost magical. Of upwards of 4,000 people taken from
the worst infected areas, only one undoubted plague case* occurred after they had returned to
their houses; in that instance the woman who was attacked was only six days in Camp, and
was taken ill the evening of the day she left."
II.
Colonel Fawcett, R.A.M.C., writes from the same place:-
"Owing to the prevalence of plague in the Wanowrie Bazaar a second Health Camp was
established early in December, about 200 paces from that bazaar. It was capable of containing
about 100 people, and was arranged and managed in a similar manner to the Camp at the Lall
Bagh. As soon as possible after it was ready, the whole of the inhabitants of the Wanowrie
Bazaar were moved into Camp. Plague had been rife among these people, and the course of
the epidemic was but little modified by the removal of the sick and segregation of contacts.
From the date of the removal of the last family to Camp, not a single indigenous case arose
among these people, nor did one occur among them after their return to the bazaar.
"It may be well to relate an incident that, at the time, made a profound impression both
on plague-workers and on the surrounding people.
" When the bazaar people were sent to the Health Camp a small row of huts was overlooked
and the inmates left undisturbed. Amongst these (i. e., those who had been thus left behind
in their houses) 5 cases, 3 fatal, occurred within 24 hours ; the remainder were then segregated
without delay. This object-lesson proved of great value, and was not forgotten by the people."
III.
In the District of Khandesh is a village of some 300 souls called Kanaswadi. The first,
case of plague in this village occurred on the 5th October 1897. It wasimported. No more
cases occurred till the week ending 4th November 1897. During this week one indigenous
case occurred. During the week ending 18th November 3 cases occurred, and the following
week one case. The epidemic now mounted rapidly: for during the week ending 2nd December
there were 5 cases, and during the week ending 9th December 14 cases. The village was
emptied on the 5th December, and from the 9th December plague absolutely ceased, for there
was not another case. The following chart shows the gradual increase and sudden
cessation:-
CHART OF EPIDEMIC IN KANA SWA DI
Population about 300
------------------- 15
/0
/0
9
* This was the only case sub-equcnt to evacuation.