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30
CHOLERA.
On account of a serious outbreak of Cholera in various parts of
England and in the Metropolis, your Vestry immediately appointed a Committee
of Gentlemen to sit as a Board, with full powers to act on any
emergency, and as often as they thought fit. The Committee accordingly
held their first meeting on August 3rd, when it was ordered that all Sewers,
gully grates, drains, and the various courts, should be thoroughly cleansed
and flushed, and that any quantity of disinfectants required should be
forthwith obtained. On the next day the Medical Parochial Officers were
appointed "Medical Visitors," under the orders issued by the Lords of
Her Majesty's Privy Council. Certain Dispensaries were also provided,
and arrangements were made by which any of the officers were bound to
attend to the poor by night or day who were suffering from Cholera or
Diarrhoea. Hand-bills were immediately circulated throughout the Parish,
warning the public of the danger of delay, and recommending all necessary
precautions with regard to offensive smells, accumulations of manure, &c.
Stand pipes for procuring wholesome water, were also substituted for the
existing pumps.
One extra temporary Inspector of Nuisances was also appointed;
this of course is an addition to your three Sanitary Inspectors and
Inspectors of Nuisances, Mr. Lovett, Mr. Wood and Mr. Langman.'
Prom all these precautions taken, from the prompt manner in
which your orders were carried out, and by the energetic supervision and
control, as well as personal assiduity exercised by your Sanitary Committee,
no deaths from Cholera occurred during the first month, viz., to
September 3rd, 9 deaths took place from Diarrhoea, and 1277 cases
recovered.
During the following month, viz., to October 1st, 728 cases of
Diarrhoea and Cholera came under treatment, 6 died, 531 recovered, and
233 remained under treatment. On October 15th, on account of the satisfactory
sanitary condition of the Parish generally, as certified by all your
Medical Officers, the services of the Medical Visitors were dispensed with,
the statistical returns shewing for the past fortnight ending October
15th, only 2 deaths from Diarrhoea, &c., and 262 cases of a very mild
nature, under treatment; at the same time the Committee expressed their
thanks to the various Officers, and their perfect satisfaction of the way in
which their several duties had been performed.