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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17
for Measles. I was of opinion that the case was one of Small-pox, and after communicating
my opinion to the medical practitioner in attendance, I removed the
patient to the Small-pox Hospital.
On the day after the patient was removed, the doctor notified the case as Smallpox.
Two days afterwards, I again visited the premises, and found two children
in bed. The same doctor, who had left the house ten minutes before my arrival,
was in attendance. He had informed the parents that the children were suffering
from Measles. I was of opinion that they suffered from Small-pox, and they were
immediately removed to the Small-pox Hospital.
Two days after, the doctor, finding the children had been removed, sent a notification
that they were suffering from Small-pox.
(16) A young man living at 82, Cressy Houses, was notified on June 2nd to be
suffering from Small-pox. He was informed by his medical attendant of the fact,
and was told to remain in the house till he could be removed. In spite of this,
he went to the out-patients' department of the London Hospital, and of course came
in contact with a large number of persons.
The Public Health Committee decided not to take proceedings against him, but
instructed the Town Clerk to severely censure him for his conduct.
(17) When friends visit patients who are dangerously ill, they are urged to be
vaccinated before they go on board the ships. In almost all cases they submit to
the operation unless they have been recently re-vaccinated.
The following, however, refused, and a fortnight later they developed Smallpox:—
J. W. 31, Quaker Street.
E. W. 5, High Street, Wapping.
D. K. 26, Nightingale Lane.
C. K. 39, Perth Street.
L. T. 16, Maplin Street.

I. Persons Vaccinated in Infancy only.

There were 881 cases of Small-pox, with 126 deaths, among persons vaccinated in infancy only.

Number of Cases.Number of Deaths.Percentage.
Under 1 year of age
Between 1 and 5 years of age
Between 5 and 10 years of age6
Between 10 and 20 years of age18931.5
Between 20 and 30 years of age2913211.0
Between 30 and 40 years of age2013115.4
Between 40 and 50 years of age1103531.8
Between 50 and 60 years of age471327.6
Over 60 years of age371232.4

B