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SECTION 3.
NOTIFIABLE INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
Small-pox.
One case of this disease was notified in the person of a
young woman aged 23. The history of the case is as
follows:—
The patient was employed at a hotel in the Borough
of Westminster, and was first taken ill on Sunday, September
2nd, with a cold and a headache. On Monday, September
3rd, she had a temperature, and stated that the headache
was worse, and complained of pains in the back.
She was unfit for work, and was sent to her home in
East Dulwich.
The rash appeared on Wednesday morning, September
5th. I was called in consultation by the private practitioner
in charge of the case, and diagnosed it as small-pox, which
was confirmed by the London County Council Consultant.
The patient gave a history that she attended a visitor
at the hotel during the period August 13th to 19th, and,
according to her statement, the visitor was ill and had
" spots."
This visitor did not receive any medical attention during
her stay at the hotel.
The Medical Officer of Health for Westminster was
advised as to the necessity of tracing this woman, and the
probability of other cases arising.
The usual procedure of advising vaccination of all
contacts, keeping them under daily observation, and the
disinfection of the clothing of persons in contact with the
patient was carried out.
I am pleased to state that no further cases developed
in Camberwell.
Diagnosis.—ln view of the difficulty in diagnosing
small-pox, and the few opportunities general medical practitioners
have of seeing this disease, I am of the opinion
that facilities should be available for medical men and
students seeking an intimate acquaintance with small-pox.
Although many books have been written on the subject
as an aid to the successful diagnosis of small-pox, it must
be conceded that bedside study of the disease in an isolation
hospital would be of greater assistance.
So far as London is concerned, this could only take place
at the London County Council Small-pox Hospital.
I have no doubt that there would be administrative