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31
Smallpox.
Although Small-pox in epidemic proportions has for the time disappeared
from the Metropolis, Hampstead may consider itself fortunate
in only having to account for one case during 1903.
Other districts, such as the Borough of Lambeth and the City of
Westminster, have had to deal with 73 and 45 cases respectively.
The only case in Hampstead occurred on 24th October, in the
person of a cabinet maker's assistant, aged 25 years, of Italian birth,
who shortly after his arrival from abroad shewed symptoms of the
disease. In his case there can be no doubt but that the disease was
contracted before his landing in this country.
The usual steps were promptly taken to remove the patient and
otherwise to prevent the spread of the disease.
The house—in Kylemore Road—in which the patient resided
contained 3 families, consisting of 6 persons. All of these, and in
addition 5 persons who had been in contact with the patient —in all 11
persons—were re-vaccinated.
No secondary case occurred.
All Authorities agree that re-vaccination of contacts and disinfection
of their clothing, etc., are the methods of prime importance in
dealing with cases of Small-pox; and it is to the immediate carrying
out of these precautions I attribute the absence of any spread from
this case and previous cases.
With regard to re-vaccination, the advantages of all emergency
Public Vaccinator resident in the Kilburn district were as evident as
in the outbreak of 1901-2, as on no less than three separate occasions
was it necessary to requisition his services.
The occurrence of a case of Small-pox must, in my opinion, be
always regarded as one of emergency, and, while a single Public Vaccinator
might successfully carry out the duties of primary vaccination
over the whole Borough, I am convinced that where re-vaccination is
necessary in the case of Small-pox "contacts" a more adequate provision
than at present exists should be made for this purpose.