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80
Characteristics of Mild Smallpox.
The accumulation of evidence in this country goes to prove
that this disease is characterised by its almost negligible case
mortality and invalidity. The incubation period is longer than that
of the virulent type, and entails a more protracted supervision of
contacts. The disease is of low infectivity, its infective period is
very short, and there is no proof that this mild strain reverts to that
of the classical type.
The protection afforded by vaccination is essentially the same
as in the virulent form of smallpox ; immunisation is the only
effective means of preventing an outbreak and of curtailing the
spread of the disease.
Having regard to the mildness of the type of smallpox now
occurring in London, there is general agreement that it is unnecessary
to apply the same stringent action to notified cases of the mild
type as would be necessary in dealing with cases of a more virulent
character. The Metropolitan Branch of the Society of Medical
Officers of Health in their consideration of this matter were of
opinion that each notified case of smallpox should be dealt with in
accordance with the conditions and circumstances in which it has
occurred, and that the necessity for removal to hospital should be
determined by the Borough Medical Officer of Health.
No persons were vaccinated by the Medical Officer of Health
under the Public Health (Smallpox Prevention) Regulations, 1917.
All smallpox contacts were recommended to be vaccinated or
re-vaccinated by the local public vaccinators.
Vaccination.
A return showing the numbers of persons successfully vaccinated
and re-vaccinated at the cost of the rates by the Medical Officers of
Institutions and the Public Vaccinators during the year ended
December, 1932, appears on page 81.