Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Bethnal Green, Parish of St. Matthew ]
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from Southampton, complained of a feeling of weakness and constant vomiting. On
inquiry, it was ascertained he had been suffering from Diarrhoea for two days, lie soon
passed into a state of collapse, and died thirty hours after admission. The next case
occurred on July 17,—an inmate of the Workhouse. He was attacked at three o'clock
a.m., and died at three p.m. There was no premonitory Diarrhoea. The man was well
011 the previous day, and cleaning windows. It then became evident we must be prepared
fur other cases. Application was at once made to the Infirmary Committee. Two Waids
were placed at my disposal, and others to be had as occasion required. After July 17th,
cases were admitted daily, and by the 31st the number had reached 39. On August 1st,
9 were admitted (the largest number on one day). The admissions continued daily up
to August 11th, about which time, through the vigilance and activity of the Vestry,
places were provided for the treatment of Cholera; and not any more cases were admitted
from the street, and only 5 fresh cases from the house. It was found necessary to fit up
6 Wards, and employ a staff of Day and Night Nurses. Over 1,000 cubic feet of air
was allowed to each patient. Seventy-six cases in all were admitted—31 males and 45
females.
5 | |||||||
August | |||||||
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Of the 76 cases, 10 were inmates of the Workhouse, 66 from different parts of the
Parish, but chiefly from Twig Folly.
12 were under 10 years of age.
7 „ 10, and under 20.
9 ,, 20, ,, 30.
12 „ 30, „ 40.
14 „ 40, „ 50.
5 „ 50, „ 60.
9 ,, 60, ,, 70.
8 „ 70, „ 80.
76
No Parish order was necessary from tho Relieving Officer for admission. No case was
refused either day or night. Forty-six out of the 76 died.