ADESINA OLUWADAMILARE MOSES
Joseph Ayo Babalola University
omadesina@jabu.edu.ng
Abstract
The paper explores the historical reconstruction of diseases and the mechanisms employed in the control of these diseases in Colonial Lagos. The aim of this paper is the documentation of the pattern of origin, diffusion and the control of diseases in Colonial Lagos. The work examines the impact of the diseases, especially dysentery and government interventions on population health during this period. This work examines the historical epidemiology of dysentery and other epidemic diseases in Lagos from 1861 to 1959. To this end, the diseases affected, to a large extent, the European migrant communities in colonial Lagos. The pattern of this outbreak was unprecedented in the history of the port city. Hence, lessons can be learnt from the approach of disease control and the colonial intervention could guide the ongoing efforts in combating these diseases and related epidemics in West Africa. This paper uncovers the historical context because it will be useful to scholars, policy makers and other stakeholders. Furthermore, the work utilized both primary and secondary sources; primary information were acquired at the National Archive Ibadan. These are original government documents dealing with medical and sanitary issues. Secondary data were sourced through an extensive review of the existing literature, internet sources, relevant books and journals. The sources were subjected to historical method of data analysis based on the descriptive approach.
Keywords: Colonial Lagos, Dysentery, Epidemics, Disease Control, Colonial Interventions
Introduction One of the noticeable diseases in Colonial Lagos was Dysentery. Dysentery is an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus. Its symptoms include painful stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting