MALARIA IN AUSTRALIA

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 283, 26 August 1919, Page 5

MALARIA IN AUSTRALIA

RETURNED SOLDIERS AS CARRIERS, In the current issuo of tho Australian "Medical Journal" Dr. R. Fowler issues a warning regarding tlio introduction of malaria into Australia. Ho estimates iiat 10,000 malaria infections have occurred in Australian troops abroad, and the numher of potential malaria carriers returning to Australia will bo sufficiently formidable to justify a warning. H6 considers that in tho near future medical practitioners will be called upon to treat a considerable number of malarial recurrences in men discharged from the A.1.F., many of which will be malignant, and therefore liablo to be rapidly fatal. Unless prevented there will be widespread infection of Australian anophelino mosquitoes with both benign and malignant parasites, and a consequent increase in endemic arens. Ho considers there are still opportunities for research in order to compile a map showing all tlio possible endemic centres, such being a necessary preliminary to any anti-malaria campaign. Other writers touch on the fame subject. In commenting on the articles, tho "Medical Journal" Fays that every soldier returning from Palestine represents a potential danger to the rest of - the Australian community, unless steps are taken to control the infection. Australia is, however, not free from malaria at present. 41 known deaths having occurred from it in 1918.