The relationship of certain environmental factors to the distribution of yaws in Jamaica

A study of the history of yaws in Jamaica reveals that the disease, while it may have been present before the advent of African negroes, was repeatedly introduced by slaves, and has tended to become localized in certain parts of the island. The present distribution has been determined by inspection trips, by actual survey of 48 widely separated areas, and by questionnaire returns from 611 schools situated in every part of Jamaica. The results of the surveys and questionnaire are tabulated and will be found to agree very closely where a direct comparison is possible. The present distribution, plotted on a map, is seen to be essentially the same as it was 20 and 40 years ago, as estimated from records of the Island Medical Department. The possible relationship between certain environmental factors and this distribution is considered. These factors are rainfall, geological formation, altitude, the sanitary status of the population, urban and rural localities, and the presence of a certain insect, namely, Hippelates pallipes. A discussion considers the possible influencing effects of environment upon distribution. (Summary)