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2
I meet with a similar obstacle in respect to scarlet fever and typhus. I beg
most respectfully, but earnestly, to submit this subject to your consideration.
Cholera has happily left us; but its place has been occupied
by diseases more decidedly contagious and equally destructive. During
the four months of July, August, September, and October, we lost 65 of
our population from cholera; during November and December we
have lost 67 from small-pox, scarlatina, and fever. During the prevalence
of cholera—an unusual disease—we combated its spread
effectually by the means pointed out by science and experience.
Common diseases—such as those I have mentioned—are better understood,
and the means of preventing their extension well known to
scientific men; and yet one epidemic outbreak after another sweeps
over us until the susceptibility of the population is exhausted. I think
you must see that more remains to be done than has hitherto been
attempted.
To take small-pox alone, what science and experience indicate by way
of checking its diffusion is this:—
1. That every person—not protected by a former attack—should be
thoroughly protected by a good and effectual vaccination, and that care
should be taken that re-vaccination should be performed on arrival at
adult age.
2. That, at once, immediately an epidemic outbreak is announced,
house to house visitation should be instituted in such low neighbourhoods
as cases of small-pox may appear in, with a view to discover
unvaccinated children—to enforce the law as regards vaccination, and
to press re-vaccination upon adults where necessary. The administration
of the Vaccination Acts lie, however, in the hands of the Board
of Trustees. On a former occasion, they adopted this course with
excellent results.
3. That every case of small-pox, occurring among the poor, should
be removed at the earliest possible period to the Hospital,—and not
returned to the healthy until thoroughly free from personal uncleanness,
or until the clothing has undergone a process of thorough
disinfection. At the present time, I have reason to fear that some
of the good anticipated from removal to the Hospital has been counteracted
by a neglect of this precaution.
4. That the articles likely to retain infection in any room that has
been occupied by a small-pox patient, including the bedding, clothing,
carpets, &c., should be disinfected in the most appropriate manner,