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8
SMALL-POX.
The epidemic of Small-Pox, which had gradually subsided during
the last three months of 1881, did not entirely disappear with the
advent of 1882, but lingered throughout the whole of the year. 142
cases of sickness were recorded against 797 in the previous year, the
monthly numbers commencing with 11, 7, 8, 3, 7,7,11, and culminating
in August and September with 43 and 38 respectively, again
diminishing to 4, 2, and 1 in the last three months of the year.
73 of the 142 cases were removed to the Hospitals of the Metropolitan
Asylums Board, 10 were admitted upon payment to the Highgate Hospital,
and 59 were treated at their own homes.
Of the 69 who remained in the Parish 11 died, and their deaths are
included in the 14 recorded in the Mortality Table, the three remaining
deaths being really attributable to Varicella.
Of the 73 cases which were removed to the Hospitals of the
Asylums Board 11 died.
It is only right to add that this dreaded enemy has been very quiet
during the present year, 10 cases of sickness only having been reported
during the six months, and of these 8 went to Hospital. Such
happy calms, however, be it remembered, are often followed by great
storms—seasons of dormancy giving place in the history of disease to
periods of unwonted activity.
The terrible outbreak of 1871, with its 386 deaths, was preceded by
a similarly peaceful lull. We should not, therefore, act wisely to wrap
ourselves up in any fancied security, lest while we sleep the enemy take us
by surprise, and we awake to find ourselves unprepared and unarmed.
Knowing as we do from long experience the treacherous character
of this disease, its insidious working in some secret focus, and
the swiftness with which it subsequently appears and spreads amongst
us, it is to me, I confess, no small source of satisfaction to know
that ihe Islington Small Pox Camp Hospital premises remain intact.
The tents and stores being apparently in good condition, we should,
in any sudden emergency, have the immense advantage of being ready
at a moment's notice to face the enemy with the best of all weapons— a
sufficiency of Hospital accommodation, so much needed at the commencement
of an outbreak by the sufferers first attacked.
In concluding these remarks I must run the risk of being charged
with repeating myself by saying that the Vestry would in my opinion
act wisely in never being without such invaluable resources.