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62
The outbreak began in 1903 in the Girls' Blocks and spread,
after 3 months, to the Boys' Blocks—every Block, 12 in number,
being infected. The majority of the cases were mild and no
single death occurred.
The causes of the disease spreading may be tabulated as
follow :—
(a) Mild and unrecognised cases.
(b) Aggregation of susceptible persons.
(c) Proximity of Infirmary to playground and main
buildings.
(d) Intercommunication between inmates of Infirmary and
those of main buildings.
(e) Practical difficulties in closing the buildings and sending
the inmates to their homes—many of the children
having no homes to go to.
(f) Intercommunication between the girls and boys in the
dining room, etc.
(g) State of drainage.
The preventive measures taken were as follow:—
(a) Prompt isolation, and removal to Hospital, of all cases ;
(b) Efficient disinfection ;
(c) Medical inspection (daily) of all children for suspicious
throats, etc. ;
(d) Limiting, as far as practicable, all intercommunication
between the Infirmary and main buildings ;
(e) Closing of the Schools.
During 1904, "return" or "secondary" cases connected with
Scarlet Fever have been carefully investigated—the Metropolitan
Asylums Board giving previous intimation of all discharged
patients. During 1904, such intimations have been received,