20

       In Northern and Southern Commands there was a slight increase in the
admission for this group. Poona and Ahmednagar had 4 cases each amongst
British troops. In Western Ind. District there were no British troops cases
for the second year in succession. This immunity is definitely attributed to
inoculation because such cases as have occurred were amongst officers all of
whom were due for inoculation. The prevalence of cases of dysentery shows
that the opportunity for infection by intestinal infections was amply present.

       The relative proportions of the members of this disease group are shown
below.

TABLE 21

Comparative Table of Types in the Enteric Group—Actual admissions and deaths

The decrease in the Para A group noted in 1937 for British troops has been
maintained and Indian troops show a similar satisfactory decrease this year.
There are however indications that the Para A group may show increases for
1939. The reduction of cases remaining ungrouped over the past 4 years is
satisfactory.

       The seasonal incidence of the group is similar to last year; but with a
tendency to prolong into the autumn, possibly on account of the extension
of the warm weather [see paragraph 5(a )]. The monthly figures indicate that
some factor connected with the warm-wet months is the cause of many of
such of the infections as have occurred, similarly to those for dysentery. The
probable factor appears to be fly prevalence with fly borne infection of milk
and foods.

TABLE No. 22

Seasonal distribution per cent of Enteric Group fevers—British and Indian Troops

       The absence of infections in the dry or hot months and relative absence
in the coldest months, that is in the non-fly seasons, is strikingly shown by the
figures given in this table.