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95
These aches and pains were very mild and transient. This is
in striking contrast to small pox, where the onset is always well
marked and fairly severe.
The rash was first noticed by the parent on the face in 39
cases, on the back in 33 cases, and on the chest in 21 cases.
The instances in which the rash was first noticed on the face
are those in which the appearance of the rash first indicated that
the child was ill. The rash was out before the parent realised
there was anything amiss with the child.
In 21 instances the rash was first seen simultaneously in 2 or
more situations.
Vesicles were noticed in 92 cases, in 90 within 24 hours of the
appearance of the rash, in two others within 48 hours.
No vesicles were seen in 8 patients.
The chicken pox with vesicles is popularly known as the water
pox or glass pox.
The amount of malaise before the rash was noticed, was very
slight, and was described as fretfulness, peevishness, languor,
irritability, or slight feverishness.
SMALL-POX.
One case of small pox was notified in Finsbury in 1911. On
investigation it proved to be a case of chicken pox. In addition
the Medical Officer of Health was asked to see two cases suspected
to be small pox. They were both chicken pox.
Notice was received from Port Medical Officers of 8 oversea
small pox contacts proceeding to Finsbury. Four of these came
into the borough, and were visited daily until the incubation
period was well passed.
Of the other four—one gave a wrong Finsbury address. When
the correct address was found, the contact had left for Ireland.