London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Stepney 1902

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Stepney]

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For wilfully exposing herself, well knowing that she was suffering from Smallpox,
the Public Health Committee gave authority to prosecute her, but her address
could not be found in order to serve the summons when she was discharged from the
Hospital.
(11) On March 27th I received information that two people living at 109,
Rhodeswell Road, were suffering from Small-pox. I visited the premises, and on
examining the other members of the family I found that one man had been ill since
March 2nd, and was treated for influenza by his doctor. In my opinion he had at
the time of my visit just recovered from Small-pox.
(12) On March 29th I received a notification of a case of Small-pox at 28, Beaumont
Square. On examining the other members of the family I found one son had
been ill about a month previously, and another son a fortnight later. The appearance
of the skin was such that, in my opinion, they suffered from. Small-pox, but in such
a mild form that they did not realise the nature of the disease. Their clothing, etc.,
were, however, disinfected.
(13) A woman lodging at 2, Flower and Dean Street, was taken to the London
Hospital on April 4th about 11.30 p.m., accompanied by the deputy of Smith's
common lodging house, who was "almost certain that the patient was suffering from
Small-pox." She told the receiving-room officer of her suspicions, but he did not
detain the patient. He gave her some medicine, and a card to admit her to the
out-patients' department on the following day. The patient went on the following
day, and after sitting for some time in the waiting-room with scores of others, she
was seen by a physician, who diagnosed Small-pox. The receiving-room officer, on
being informed of the statements of the deputy, emphatically denied them.
(14) On April 5th I received an anonymous communication that there was a
boy at 122, Stepney Green,, suffering from Small-pox, and that he was concealed at
home. I visited the premises, and found that the patient had been home from
work for three weeks. The patient informed me that he knew that one of the
men working in the same workroom as himself had been taken to the Small-pox
Hospital. The patient's father and mother said that he had been ill and that he
had a rash, but denied that they knew that the rash was due to Small-pox. They
added that the patient had been kept in one room for three weeks, and had not
allowed anyone to go near him.
At the Police Court, where proceedings were taken against the father—Mr.
Elias Simons—for failing to notify the existence of Small-pox, witnesses proved that
the patient was seen in the yard at the rear of the house, and in other parts of the
building. The father was fined the maximum penalty of £2 and £2 3s. costs
(15) On May 14th I visited 46, Bridge Street, where a case of Small-pox had
previously occurred, and found that a doctor was attending a child, and treating him