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to be taken to at once remove the body to the mortuary, and disinfect the room
that had been occupied. A post-mortem examination was made by Dr. Dixon,
in the presence of Dr. Home and myself, and we came to the conclusion that
death was due to acute gastro-enteritis, or inflammation of the stomach and
intestines. A careful enquiry was afterwards made by Dr. Home and myself
into the antecedents of the deceased, and the history of the attack, but there
was nothing to indicate that he had been exposed to cholera infection.
An enquiry was held, and a verdict of death from English cholera was
given, in accordance with the medical evidence. It is to be regretted that no
bacteriological examination were made in these cases.
There is no doubt that Asiatic cholera obtained a footing in this country
towards the close of the summer. In August and September, at Grimsby,
between 80 and 90 cases occurred, which were variously notified as infective
diarrhœa, choleraic diarrhoea, or cholera. Only one was notified as Asiatic
cholera. More than 25 per cent. of those affected, died. Cases also occurred
at Leeds, Hull, Bradford, Cleethorpes, and other towns in Yorkshire. Some 16
or 17 cases were notified in London, four of which were undoubtedly Asiatic
cholera, and cases were reported in many parts of the country.
Special precautions have been taken throughout the country with a view
to preventing the introduction and spread of the disease. The utmost vigilance
is exercised by the Port Sanitary Authorities in the inspection of ships from
infected ports, and information is sent by the Port Medical Officers to the
Medical Officers of Health of the places of destination to which passengers from
infected ports are proceeding.
Measures have to be taken by the Sanitary Authority, for the prompt
removal of any cases which may occur in its district, and for the provision of
medical attendance and nursing.
With a view to this, the Shoreditch Board of Guardians is prepared to
place at the disposal of the Metropolitan Asylums Board, a small isolated block
containing two wards, capable of accommodating 5 male and 5 female patients
in case of emergency.
Arrangements have been made by the Metropolitan Asylums Board with
the authorities of the various London Hospitals and Infirmaries, for the setting
apart of wards for cholera cases, if necessary.
That body has also prepared ambulances to be placed at certain points in
the district, should the disease become prevalent. In Shoreditch, the places
determined upon as being most suitable for this purpose are:— the Town Hall,
the Holborn Union Workhouse, the Metropolitan Free Hospital, and the North
Eastern Hospital for Children.