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49
epidemic that disinfection of houses by spraying is much, more
quickly carried out than the old-fashioned method of sulphur
fumigation, and without it being necessary to turn the inmates of
such houses out. Whilst the infected room or rooms are under
sulphur, the other rooms in the house can be used immediately
after, or even during the time that they are sprayed with formalin.
The vaccination and re-vaccination of "contacts" as required
has been advised, and ensured as far as possible, and all necessary
disinfection carried out.
In connection with quarantining, the Medical Officer communicated
with the Guardians, suggesting the need for quarantine and
isolation wards being provided for the Workhouses, so that persons
from unknown infected houses or areas might be quarantined for
14-16 days prior to being drafted into the House. The suggestion
was readily adopted by the Guardians, and special isolation buildings
provided, and such a sieve or filter (together with the
other measures taken) has undoubtedly saved the House
from becoming infected. The Board of Guardians has
acted in complete harmony with the Borough Council—a condition
of things highly satisfactory, and courteously allowed the
Borough Medical Officer an interview, at which many suggestions
for dealing with the epidemic of Smallpox were offered to the
Borough, and afterwards adopted in their entirety. The thanks
of the Borough Council are due to the Board of Guardians, and
will, I feel sure, be readily given.
Compensation paid to " Contacts."
The total compensation paid during the epidemic (12 months)
in connection with the quarantining of " contacts," or "suspects,'''
in Lambeth Borough amounts to the small sum of £53 8s.
—such compensation being for loss of work, etc. When the number
of " contact's " is borne in mind, the sum expended is practically
infinitesimal (2^d. | er person quarantined).
A large amount of extra work has been thrown upon the clerical
staff in connection with the 5054 " contacts," or " suspects,"
under observation, e.g., letters to Medical Officers cf Health,
employers of labour, teachers of schools, librarians, vaccinating
officers, etc.
Before leaving the subject of quarantining, reference may be
made to a letter sent round by the Local Government Board, and
dated February 22nd, 1902, officially drawing attention to the
necessity for medical observation of "contacts" for a fortnight
after their exposure to infection, and stating that, when under