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vention of infectious diseases, require amendment by (a) shortening
the period of twenty-four hours, allowed by Section 60, for
the master of a house to decide whether he will undertake the
disinfection or allow the Sanitary Authority to do sc —[For, 23;
Against, 12]; and (b) extending the provisions of Section 64 to
the taking of any house, or part! of a house, by a person suffering
from an infectious disease, or who has been exposed to infection."
—[Unanimous. ]
6. " That, in the opinion of the Conference, it is advisable that
application be made to the Metropolitan Asylums Board to send
out, to every Medical Officer of Health in London, daily lists of
Smallpox cases only, with age and addresses of patients, as is
done weekly in the case of all infectious diseases." —[Unanimous.]
7. " That the Conference approve the communication, addressed
by the Town Clerk of the Royal Borough of Kensington,
to the Local Government Board, requesting them to undertake
the supply of lymph to any registered medical practitioner who
may apply for the same, instead of to Public Vaccinators only."—
[Unanimous.]
8. " That, in the opinion of this Conference, an amendment of
the law is necessary to the effect that any person inhabiting any
part of a house which has been infected by Smallpox, and who,
knowingly, associates with other persons without having his person
and clothes cleansed and disinfected to the satisfaction of the
Sanitary Authority, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £20."
—[For, 26; Against, 16.]
9. " That, in the opinion of this Conference, Borough Councils
should be allowed to make provision for contacts for whom they
may have no accommodation available in their shelters."—[Unanimous.]
In connection with Resolution 1, an amendment suggesting that
the administration of the Vaccination Acts should be vested in a
Central Authority, so as to secure uniform and consistent action,
was lost by 26 to 16, and the resolution, as originally proposed,
was afterwards put and carried nemine contradicente.
Origins of the Smallpox Cases.
Each case of Smallpox, as it arose, was carefully investigated,
and traced, where possible, to its source. It is interesting to note
the following particulars as to sources of infection: —
1. Smallpox was introduced into the Borough from outside
sources on 154 separate and distinct occasions, viz. : —
Work-places outside 88, " contacts " with outside cases of
Smallpox 48, tramps 9, Smallpox Hospitals (Long Reach)
7, infected articles (wearing apparel and carpets) 2. The