Malaria in Salonica
Article from Bede Magazine describing dangers of malaria in Salonica
From Salonica
26th Sept, 1917
The copy of the August edition of “The Bede” reached me yesterday. I was delighted to have it and must thank you for same.
It was a surprise to read therein one of my own letters; and today I am prompted to write a few notes which I hope may be available for the Xmas issue. As you already know, people in these regions have not only to wage war with the Bulgar, but also with the dreaded diseases ‘malaria’. And the war against this malady is no light task for the authorities.
Malaria is perhaps one of the most unsympathetic of fevers. Often have I seen men turn out in the morning feeling equal to almost any task, only to hear of them before evening being “down” with “shivers”.
It comes upon one very suddenly, and is accompanied by headache, and pains in the body. The time of duration may be divided into three periods or stages: (a) – A cold stage, during which the patient shivers fearfully, and more often than not his teeth chatter; (b) – The fever or hot stage during which the patient is flushed, restless, sometimes delirious, with a high temperature. (I have myself reached 105°F during an attack.) (c) – A sweating period, during which the patient perspires fearfully, falls to sleep, and returns again to normal.
The origin of the disease had been traced to the mosquito, the species named Anopheles being the most dangerous. The members of this species can be easily recognised. They have spotted wings, and when they alight they appear to stand on their heads. We have been told that the disease is carried by these pests from one infected person to another. The insect itself is not infectious. They bite chiefly between sunset and sunrise, and therefore special precautions must be taken between these hours.
We have waged war on the mosquito peril in two ways: (1) – The men are given quinine regularly, and it is said that this increases our resistance to malaria. (2) – In every district where I have camped, men have been systematically employed draining away pools, and also cleaning out ditches to allow the water to flow freely. Stagnant pools and marshes are covered with oil which destroys the larvae.
Men often grouse because the villages are out of bounds to all troops. Perhaps the reason why we are not allowed the privilege of entering villages is that these are often hotbeds of malaria. It is usual to have the camp as far away as possible on high ground and away from native villages.
I have no doubt that, now the Greeks have seen the results of our labours against this scourge, they will after the war attempt to carry on this work. If they do, we can safely say the English (perhaps I should have said Allied) occupation has accomplished a great work in this country for the good of mankind.
Lastly, it would amuse you to hear the remarks of the men on hearing “Fall in for Quinine”. But in his heart the British Tommy in this country has learnt the benefits derived from this valuable medicine.
I might add that although we have laboured to destroy the dreaded disease we have also been busy in another direction, and that villages that could only be reached by tracks previous to the war, can now boast of roads undreamed of three years ago. It perhaps has been hard work but the spirit of the troops has been splendid.
David Brown, ’07-‘09
Date: 26-Sep-1917
Author: David Brown
Where to find this: https://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/palace.green/collections/dc/The_Bede_v14-no1_December_1917.pdf
Contributed by Fiona Johnson - Durham
