View report page

49
population was 2.7; the corresponding figure in 1919 being l.3.
Four cases or 1.6 per cent. proved fatal as compared with 3 in 1919.
Of the cases notified, 218, or 86 per cent., were removed to hospital.
Small-pox.
Hampstead had been free from small.pox since 1907, in which year
one case occurred. In December, 1920, one case was notified in the
person of a male aged 46 years. The patient, an architect, whose
permanent residence was at Southend, journeyed daily to his office at
Chelmsford. He came to Hampstead on 23rd December to spend
Christmastide ; and fell ill on the day of arrival. The patient was
promptly removed to the Small-pox Hospital of the Metropolitan
Asvlums Board ; thorough disinfection was carried out ; and every
person who could be considered to be a "contact" was vaccinated the
same day.
The contacts were kept under close observation for tbe usual period,
and no further case occurred.
Vaccination.
Of the total births dealt with by the Vaccination Officer, amounting
to 1,596, in 1920, 826 were successfully vaccinated. In 8 cases the
children were insusceptible of vaccination. In regard to 409, certificates
of Conscientious Objection were obtained ; 47 died before
vaccination was performed ; 38 cases of vaccination were postponed,
and 268 remained to be dealt with.
I am indebted to the Vaccination Officer for these statistics.
Provision for Isolation of " Contacts."
By the rearrangement effected last year the existing cleansing
station, which occupies the cottage-shelter in the corner of the electricity
yard (adjoining Lithos Passage) and the remainder of that building,
will be able to be utilized, should occasion arise, as a shelter for smallpox
and other infectious disease contacts and also for the temporary
housing of poor persons during the disinfection of their goods or
rooms.
By virtue of the Public Health (Small-pox Prevention) Regulations,
1917, the Medical Officer of Health is empowered to perform vaccina.
tion. It was not necessary for me to exercise this authority during the
year.