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39
It is not possible to say with any degree of certainty what was the cause of the
continuance of this disease on board this vessel, but it is evident that it Avas due to
some small local cause, and my impression is that it was not unconnected with the
penholders and possibly with a boy returning after being ill and still harbouring in his
mouth the organisms of the disease. It is also possible that, in spite of the early
isolation of each boy as he ailed, that he might have been in an infectious condition
for a few hours previous to complaining, and so might have communicated the disease
during that period.
The boys went on a month's leave on December 17th. Three cases of Diphtheria
are reported to have occurred in the homes of boys on leave, but one of the cases
occurred 14 days and, in two instances, three weeks after the boys had gone
home, so that the probability is that the infection in these cases was not connected
with the "Warspite."
My suggestions were readily adopted, and I much appreciate the help and cordial
co-operation which I received from Dr. Sells, the Medical Officer of the ship.