xiii, b, 6 Proceedings of the Manila Medical Society 339 



in relation to the character of the crimes for which they were 

 convicted. 



MOSQUITOES AROUND MANILA AND VICINITY: A HEALTH 



PROBLEM 



By Dr. Lamberto Leiva 



Attention was called to the presence of both the culicine and 

 anopheline mosquitoes around Manila and vicinity. Their rela- 

 tion to disease was discussed briefly. The suggestion also was 

 made that the new and shortened route between the yellow fever 

 zone and Manila brought about by the opening of the Panama 

 Canal may allow certain yellow fever cases which are as yet 

 in their incubation period to pass our quarantine stations un- 

 noticed. The danger, therefore, lies in the possibility of the 

 presence of a Philippine species of mosquito able to transmit 

 yellow fever. So far, Stegomyia fasciata persistans Banks has 

 not been proved to be a carrier of this disease. This mosquito 

 and other species of the genus Stegomyia are indigenous to the 

 Philippine Islands. 



It was stated that two important factors are at work against 

 the spread of malaria in Manila: First, nearly every malaria 

 patient receives ready and prompt treatment with quinine, there- 

 by leading to a great reduction of gametocyte carriers ; secondly, 

 the systematic work of the "mosquito brigade," for which no 

 inconsiderable credit is due. 



Mosquito control was next discussed. A few remarks were 

 made on the study of the life history of the mosquito as being 

 of importance in applying methods of mosquito extermination. 

 The organization and workings of the "mosquito brigade" of 

 Manila were briefly described. The difficult situation that 

 arises is that a few men are not able to inspect and oil breeding 

 places as frequently as is necessary ; namely, every twelve days. 

 It was pointed out that systematic work of this nature is neces- 

 sary to prevent a new generation of mosquitoes being given a 

 lease of life after the preceding brood has been exterminated. 



Mosquitoes, if let alone, are always a menace to the safety 

 and comfort of the human population. It is a health problem 

 that calls for active measures of a sanitary campaign — a condi- 

 tion where eternal vigilance is truly the price of safety, and 

 a false sense of security is fraught with grave danger to even 

 this community. — L. L. 



