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Several of the cases were severe, but all recovered, except Harper,
who died shortly after admission to hospital. All of them had been
urged to submit to re-vaccination on first employment, and the
danger they incurred was clearly pointed out to them, but with the
exception of Inspector Ainley, they declined.
The Sanitary Inspectors who had not been re-vaccinated underwent
the operation, and though I had had small pox myself, I considered
it wise to do the same. Inspector Ainley was re-vaccinated
during the stage of incubation, and had a very slight attack.
Throughout the epidemic the sanitary staff have been prompt and
energetic in dealing with the cases as they were reported. How we
should have managed without a telephone I scarcely know, though
delays, even with the present system, are unavoidable. An exchange
station, confined to the Borough Councils and the Hospitals, would
save time. The office has been kept open daily, Sundays included,
until nine every evening, and a sanitary Inspector and a disinfector
have been constantly on duty ready to receive and deal with notifications
as they arrive. This arrangement was in operation from February
3rd, 1902, to August 31st, 1903. Persons who have been exposed to
infection, have been kept under observation for the period of incubation
and medically examined by me on the least symptom of illness.
The employers of such contacts have been sought out where possible
and advised, but latterly many false answers have been
given to the enquiries of the inspectors. I am of opinion that the
giving false answers respecting cases of infectious disease should be
made a punishable offence. The schools attended have been
always promptly notified; in one or two instances it was found necessary
to close and fumigate infected class rooms.
Full particulars, with lists of contacts, have been supplied daily to
the Public Vaccinators by special messenger, and an enormous
amount of vaccination and re-vaccination has been accomplished by
these officers.
Just as this report is going to press, a difficulty has arisen with
reference to the payment for copy certificates and messenger fees on
the plan recommended by the Local Government Board Inspector;