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was employed. The grandson of this cleaner subsequently developed
a malady which was diagnosed as clinical Smallpox. As a result of
this confirmed diagnosis it was suspected that the adult male resident
of Wembley possibly might have innocently introduced the infection
into the Country from West Africa.
Intense epidemiological investigation followed of all cases of
serious illness in the past three months, of cases of Chicken Pox, and,
with the co-operation of general practitioners, of cases of sickness
where the diagnosis had been in doubt. Despite this, however, no
further nexus of infection was discovered.
In an endeavour to substantiate the diagnosis of Smallpox some
three or four months in arrears, blood samples were taken from the
patient and the Haemagglutination-inhibition test was strongly
suggestive that he had suffered from Smallpox. The possibility,
however, of a strong reaction due to recent vaccination could not be
excluded. Unfortunately it was impossible to secure a blood specimen
for this test from the child patient, in whose case a strong positive
would have been quite diagnostic of the disease.
In examining the statistics no notification of Smallpox will be
seen but it is strongly felt, on epidemiological grounds, that these
two infections were Variola Major.
5. INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATES OF IMMUNISATION.
The Department continues to authenticate the International
Certificates of Vaccination for travellers who have received inoculations
from Wembley practitioners. It is necessary sometimes to
arrange for immediate attention to these documents as, for example,
the traveller who late one evening required a signature before
6.00 a.m. the following day. He was travelling to Australia by boat
and it was suggested he could leave a forwarding address of the
Shipping Agents at Port Said or some Port en route, and the
authenticated document would be forwarded to the agents by
registered air mail for collection on arrival. These arrangements,
however, were not acceptable to the traveller and ultimately the
certificate was authenticated and signed at 10.00 p.m.
During the year 1,133 certificates received attention in the
Department.
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