The prevention of malaria among the military forces in Puerto Rico
Bolten, J.
Boletin de la Asociacion Medica de Puerto Rico 35(3): 89-96
1943
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-4849 Document Number: 700120
The mortality rate in Puerto Rico due to malaria was 125. per 100,000 in 1941 as compared to 9 per 100,000 in our worst malaria state. There were 69 deaths from malaria per 100 square miles in 1941 in Puerto Rico, while in our worst state there were 0.4. Anopheles albimanus is the most important vector. The Army and Navy have control of the intra-cantonment problem, while the Public Health Service devotes itself principally to extra-cantonment work. Effective mosquito proofing of dwelling places is deemed the most practicable means of reducing malaria. Army barracks have improved their mosquito proofing. Due to lack of screen wire this cannot be carried out in rural civilian populations for the duration of the war. Therefore the principal methods of control employed at present are: Larviciding by means of Paris green and oil; drainage; and filling operations.