Margaret Mary Murray

Investigation of an epidemic of goitre in West Pakistan

Abstract 1. (1) The occurrence of goitre in West Pakistan was studied from October 1955, to February 1956, 8 years after partition from India in 1947. Attention was drawn to the Multan area where a recent epidemic of goitre had been reported in the press. 2. (2) The evidence showed a marked increase of goitre on the alluvial plain south of the Salt Range. Records were available to show that the incidence of goitre had varied considerably during the past 100 years, being related to the use of well-water. 3. (3) In the Multan district the water from numerous hand pumps recently installed was found to have a low iodine content (1.4 to 3.6 μg./1.).The incidence of goitre was directly correlated with a small amount of iodine in the drinking water. There appeared to be no correlation between the incidence of goitre and other salts in the water. This does not rule out the possibility that other constituents as yet unrecognized may be of importance.

The importance of water.

is necessary in order to make adequate provision for communal welfare. Of all the substances necessary for existence, water ranks second only to oxygen in importance; without water life is not possible. The body of an adult contains about 72 per cent of water; that of a young child considerably more. For a man to remain efficient and in ’water balance,’ he must be supplied with enough water to replace the large amounts he loses through the lungs, kidney, and skin. The importance of a proper water supply has been recognised in the Public Health Act of 1936, by which Local Authorities are bound to .