View report page

64
The first developed about 24th January, and the last case in the year on
11th December. The latter was practically the end of the epidemic.
There were two outbursts, one lasting from February to May (inclusive),
and the other in October and November, with a period of quiescence in the
summer. The cases were confined to the Hoys' Department until November
when they spread to the Girls' Department. All the patients were removed
to the fever hospital as soon as they were recognised, and suspected
cases were kept under observation in the school infirmary.

The cases were fairly evenly distributed amongst the school classes.
A careful inspection of the school buildings was made, but nothing was
found which in any way accounted for the epidemic. The drains also were
tested and found sound. Nothing in the food supply was peculiar to the
Boys' Department. Apparently, therefore, the disease was to be attributed
to spread from case to case, and probably also to the existence of unrecognised
"carriers." Careful inspection, however, of all the children and staff by the
Medical Officer, and particularly of those earlier cases who had returned to
school after recovery, failed to discover any such; nor was any reason apparent
for the subsidence of the epidemic in June and December. No light was
thrown on the matter by the dormitory or school class distribution. The
Medical Officer of Health had several consultations with the Medical Officer
of the Institution. Closure of the school was recommended, but this was
Found to be impracticable.
* A maid in the Girls' Department.
† A laundry maid, a teacher in the Junior Department, and a boy in the Junior Department.