View report page

2
suffered severely. Against such a disease as this, our ordinary sanitary
measures are nearly powerless; and we have no exceptional powers to
meet special outbreaks of contagious disease,—activity on the part of
the parochial vaccinators is what we must chiefly rely upon. I have
hesitated in giving any directions at present respecting the closure and
cleansing of the infected houses, in the dread of the convalescents
communicating the disease in quarters yet free. This step must he
delayed for the present. I am informed that there is a foolish prejudice
against the Small-Pox Hospital on the part of some of the poorer
classes. This is greatly to be regretted, inasmuch as nothing is more
likely to promote recovery than removal to the admirably arranged
wards of that Institution. The Board of Trustees have, at my request,
issued printed hand-bills, respecting vaccination, through the districts
affected.
EDWARD BALLARD, M.D.,
Medical Officer of Health.
Vestry Offices,
May 8th, 1865