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51
Shortly, the history of the outbreak is as follows:—
A man (Prior) came to Rowton House, where he stayed from
April 22nd to 26th, during which time he was suffering from
unrecognised Smallpox. Directly from him arose 2 other cases,
which were also unrecognised as Smallpox from May 10th to
18th, during which time these 2 patients mixed with the other
inmates of Rowton House in the Common Rooms, e.g., Kitchen
Dining and Smoke Rooms, Lavatories, and Dormitories,
etc., with the result that 17 other cases arose directly therefrom
during the following 2 to 3 weeks, and from these 17 a further
batch of 7 cases (6 belonging to Rowton House and 1 outside).
By careful and daily inspections, the 17 cases were weeded out,
and removed at once to Hospital, with the result that only 7
further cases arose within the following 2 to 3 weeks, and these
7 cases in their turn were treated in the same way (i.e., isolated
in Hospital at once), and no further case occurred. The value
is well-shewn of prompt isolation of all cases, followed by
immediate disinfection, and a careful daily Medical Inspection of
all "Contacts" or "suspects." Taking the average number of
lodgers at Rowton House as 300-400, and adding to these the
40 officers (superintendents, bedmakers, etc.), it is cause for
congratulation that the outbreak did not assume larger proportions—a
condition of affairs brought about by the picking out
daily of the cases and their immediate removal to Hosptial.
Re-vaccination was offered to the inmates free of cost, and even
a gratuity of 2/- per man re-vaccinated added as an incentive,
but in vain—59 lodgers only accepting the offer. The 40 officers
had been re-vaccinated (in connection with previous outbreaks)
and not one caught the disease, whilst enquiry elicited that
(roughly) 25 of the lodgers had been previously re-vaccinated at
intervals varying from 25 to 3 years ago, 7 had had smallpox
previously, and 4 were unvaccinated. It is due to the Rowton
House Company to state that a free hand in dealing with the
outbreak was given to the officers of the Borough Council, and
every suggestion offered readily, and at once, carried out by the
Superintendent.