[Sidenote: See Tables L. and M., pp. 39 and 40.]
Under the head of “All other Diseases” is included one “lethargus,”
a disease which, as far as I am aware, is altogether confined to
the native population, “more particularly to the Kossohs and Congos
tribes.” It is not restricted to any particular period of life, as old
and young are equally liable to it. It is purely a disease of the brain
and nervous system, generally fatal, except when seen in the very early
stages. As it is generally met with, the patient sleeps continually,
even when standing up, and becomes perfectly incapable of any exertion;
the sufferer will even fall asleep while being fed. I have seen them
last in this state for months, and gradually die of inanition from
want of a sufficiency of food to support life. I have tried all kinds
of treatment, but cannot recommend any more likely to be beneficial
than a prolonged slight salivation, if you can meet the case in the
inflammatory stage or that previous to the sleeping state just alluded
to.
This and leprosy are the only diseases met with here from which the
European is exempt.
ROBT. BRADSHAW, L.K. & Q.C.P.I.
Colonial Surgeon.
Freetown, Sierra Leone.