Because of less frequent contacts with the neighbouring islands, Ouvea was infected much later than the rest of the archipelago. In 1894, in Annales d’Hygiène et de Médecine Navale, 1894, Grall stated that the island could be considered as free of leprosy. The first case was recorded in 1894, being a native from Pouebo (New Caledonia). (Médecin-Capitaine des Troupes Coloniales Lacour, An Attempt to Control Leprosy by BCG Vaccine in the Loyalty Islands, (South Pacific Commission, 1954)