An experiment in the eradication of malaria in Mauritius.

Abstract

The work proposed was an experiment in the elimination of malaria in the first instance by the application of residual insecticide formulations to vector-mosquito feeding- and harbouring-places followed if considered necessary by applications to breeding-grounds and then if required by any other measures. Accordingly a research team comprising an officer in charge an entomologist a chemist and six field officers was appointed by the British Colonial Insecticides Committee to organize the experiment and to interpret its results. Arriving in Mauritius in November 1948 the team proceeded to set up the two branches of the organization: one for the spraying of residual insecticide in houses and outhouses and the other for the collection of scientific data to demonstrate the progress of the experiment. Inevitably these two branches overlap in many respects and both are considered in detail in the rest of the report. (excerpt)