§ SIR W. J. COLLINS (St. Pancras, W.)To ask the Secretary of State for War what was the number of cases of Malta fever occurring among the troops in Malta in the years 1905, 1906, and 1907, respectively; how many of the cases in each year terminated fatally; whether the reduction in the number of cases is attributable to the prohibition of the use of goats milk or to any method of protective inoculation; and whether the disease continues to prevail among the native population.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The number of cases of Malta fever occurring among the troops in Malta, and the number of deaths during the years 1905, 1906, and 1907, was as follows:—
The reduction in the number of cases of Malta fever among the troops in Malta is solely attributable to the prohibition of the use of goats milk in barracks and hospitals. Protective inoculation has not been used for the troops. The disease, according to information received from the Board of Health in Malta, continues to prevail among the native population without any change or abatement.
Cases. Deaths. 1905 643 16 1906 161 4 1907 11 1