'Persian Gulf Gazetteer, Historical and Political Materials, Maskat [Muscat] territory, 1872-1903' [‎125] (127/138)

125
K.—SANITARY MATTERS IN MASKAT.
1875.
Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. enquired of Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. , Maskat, whether
any measures could be taken to prevent importation of plague from Mesapo-
tamia to India through trade with Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. (41-8).^ Miles replied
Sultan would no doubt arrange for inspection and detention of vessels if
desired (1-9).
1899.
Two cases of plaguo—one in Matra, one in Maskat. Sultan raised quaran
tine from 6 to 10 days counting from arrival at Maskat and prohibited landing
of deck passengers from India, G^vadur and Jask, except servants of superior class
passengers. He also asked Government to take over quarantine arrangements.
Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. Surgeon was prepared to do so if given two extra Hospital Assistants
(13-4). Hospital Assistants arrange! for (25-4). Sultan declined to reduce
quarantine to 10 days from infected port for vessels carrying no qualified
doctor (8-5). Sultan professed inability to pay for Hospital Assistants
(17 -5). Government of India ordered Hospital Assistants to remain at Maskat
at Government expense (7-6). Sultan on advice of French Coosul refused
Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. Surgeon's draft quarantine regulations and abolished quarantine at
Maskat altogether (18-7). Hospital Assistants ordered to return to India
(2-9).
1900. •
Plague declared in Matra suburb (12-1). Disease still confined to Khoja
Port (10"2). Sultan tried to get medical staff from Bombay but failed. He
could pay Rs. 300 per mensem for men from India, but they should be under his
orders (27-2). Sultan's own men arrived and he withdrew request (8-3).
Plague inoculation flourishing in Maskat : Sultan asked for 400 doses for own
use (28-4). Plague mortality slight and Maskat declared free on 30th May
(30-5). Sultan disposed to give Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. Surgeon (Smith) Rs. 150 per mensem
to superintend quarantine arrangements and attend serious cases in Sultan's
own household (16-8). Sanctioned by Government of India (19-9). Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent.
Surgeon should besides give professional help and advice to Sultan in all
sanitary and medical questions, besides attending all cases requiring his aid
in Sultan's household ;(19-9). Arrangement came into force from 1st October.
Extent of assistance given by Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. Surgeon would depend on Sultan.
Sultan had placed his native doctor, Saiyid Magdum,^ under Smith's orders
(13-10). Cholera imported probably from Karachi via Gwadur, broke out in
Matra in September 1899 There had been epidemics in Oman in 1821 and 1865 ;
both came from sea. Total attacks in Maskat and Matra about 1,339, of which
449 in Maskat. 274 deaths in Maskat and 462 in Matra. Chief Arab remedy,
for this as for other maladies, actual cautery. Epidemic spread over whole
interior: 470 persons out of 1,000 died at Surur, nearly 1,000 out of 5,000 at
Semail and 450 or 15 per cent, at Nakhl. Total deaths in Oman about 12,331.
This epidemic preceded by one of small-pox carrying off 6 ,000. Epidemic in
Maskat was at its height at beginning of November and ceased at end of Jan
uary 1900. At Matra it reached its height at middle of October, recrudesced
end of November, continued December and finally declined middle of January
1900 (1-4). Small-pox always prevalent, but no severe epidemic in Oman
for more than 30 years. All Oman subjects were against preventive measures,
especially trading classes during date season (28-4).
G. C. Press, Simla.—No. 1547 F. D,—22-8 o4.—20.—T. K.