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98
The question of providing a special vehicle for this purpose was
considered early in 1930, and a special ambulance type of vehicle has
now been provided.
(b) Contacts.—During the year, no less than 4,796 contacts have
been kept under observation; the total visits paid by the Sanitary
Inspectors to those resident in the Borough numbered 22,059. This does
not include contacts (Staff and Patients) in St. Andrew's Hospital. Of
the 4,796 contacts visited, only 889 were vaccinated or re-vaccinated.
In addition to following up contacts, 955 house-to-house inspections
have been carried out in affected areas, and 3 cases of Smallpox found.
Leaflets have been left at each house explaining the signs and symptoms
of Smallpox, and urging the necessity for seeking medical advice should
eruptions appear, and also urging vaccination or re-vaccination.
In July, a woman was summoned and convicted for obstructing the
Medical Officer of Health in the execution of his duties. She withheld
the name and address of a certain member of hei family who had been in
close contact with her daughter, who was suffering from Smallpox. The
contact ultimately developed Smallpox and infected other inmates of the
house to which he had been removed.
(c) School Medical Inspections, Absentees, etc.—At the request of the
Public Health Department, medical inspection of school children was
carried out by the London County Council staff at several schools.
Arrangements were made for the immediate notification of absentees, in
addition to the usual intimation on Form 84, and all cases of suspicious
illness were reported without delay by School Medical Inspectors and
School Nurses. All these cases were kept under observation by the Public
Health Department. The number of visits paid by the Sanitary Inspectors
to school absentees was 627.
(d) Notification of Chickenpox.—The notification of Chickenpox was
continued during 1929, and 1,084 cases reported:—
987 notified by medical practitioners.
61 reported by the school authority.
36 reported by parents.
All cases notified as Chickenpox were visited by a member of the
Medical Staff. This procedure resulted in the discovery of 13 cases of
Smallpox.