On Lifou, the first cases of leprosy appear to have been recognised simultaneously at Gaitcha, Wiwatul and Inangote (Loessi) between 1880 and 1885. A rapid survey made by Dr Hebrard in 1899 mentions 60 to 80 patients. Later, Nicolas, 1908, gave a figure of 74 and Monfort in 1919, recorded 129 patients. Detailed statistics established in 1924 gave an endemicity index of 4.93%. (Médecin-Capitaine des Troupes Coloniales Lacour, An Attempt to Control Leprosy by BCG Vaccine in the Loyalty Islands, (South Pacific Commission, 1954)