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consumed on purchase, others were taken home to Romford and
shared amongst friends, with uncomfortable results. Samples of
stools were reported upon as showing no organisms present, and,
likewise, the samples of cockles. What the cause of the poisoning
was we do not know, but the unusual dryness of that time of year
was probably a contributing factor. There were no deaths arising
from this outbreak.
(e) Measles.
Measles was in epidemic form, mainly during the months of
January to April, and altogether during the year there were 1,116
cases. No deaths were recorded.
(f) Scarlet Fever.
This disease was in epidemic form during the latter part of the
year, and the year ended with 198 notifications. On the whole the
condition was very slight in this area, with relatively few complications,
although this was not so in many parts of the Country, or,
indeed, in some parts of Essex. Whether or not Scarlet Fever,
after many years, is assuming a more serious form remains to be
seen in future epidemics.
(g) Smallpox.
No cases occurred in the district, but with the arrival of the
S.S. "Mooltan" at the Port of London on 2nd April, with a case
of Smallpox on board, 2 members of the crew with residence in this
area were kept under surveillance for the recognised period. Daily
workers on board were also kept under supervision. One of these
showed suspicious symptoms, and was removed to Clandon Isolation
Hospital, Surrey, for observation, where eventually it was proved
not to be Smallpox.
If Vaccination against Smallpox were as popular as Immunisation
against Diphtheria, we should not feel so anxious when Smallpox
is introduced into this Country from abroad.
Table 16 gives the statistics relative to Vaccination, as recorded
by the General Practitioners of the district:—