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10
On looking over the Table showing the weekly progress in London of
the deaths from small-pox daring the present epidemic, and comparing it with
that of the preceding one in 1871-2, it will be seen that, although the population
has considerably increased since 1871-2, yet the mortality from smallpox
has not been nearly to the same extent. This difference may be
partially accounted for by the success of the means which have been
adopted for averting the progress of the disease.
1. By the more prompt removal of the sick to the public hospitals,
which has been greatly facilitated by the powers lately conferred
by Act of Parliament, 38 and 39 Vic., cap. 55, section 124, giving
compulsory powers to local authorities to remove, by order of the
Police Magistrates, all such persons suffering from small-pox, who are
not properly lodged or accommodated, to a hospital set apart for the
reception of such patients. The value of this clause would have been
greatly enhanced if the 64th clause of the Public Health (Metropolis) Bill,
which was brought in by Mr. Sclater-Booth and Mr. Salt, had passed;
whereby power would have been conferred on the Managers of Metropolitan
Asylum Districts to contract for the reception of persons suffering from
infectious diseases. This desirable arrangement was advocated in my last
Report, which, if carried into effect by an Act, would enable the local
authority to pay for the expense incurred in the removal to, and maintenance
in, a hospital, of persons afflicted with infectious diseases, and so remove all
stigma of pauperism from the parties availing themselves of the accommodation.
In all cases removed to such hospitals, whether voluntarily on the
part of the patients, or compulsorily, the local authority might recover the
expenses incurred from the persons benefitted by such removal and maintenance.
2. The importance of re-vaccination after the age of puberty being
better understood, and more generally sought for. 3. The more thorough
disinfecting of the houses and clothes of patients who have been attacked
with the disease. 4. The more frequent visitation of the houses in the
neighbourhood of small-pox patients, and the means taken to prevent overcrowding.
5. The inspection of schools and the preventing, as far as
possible, of children from infected places attending schools, and the giving of
information to the master or mistress of the school of those localities where
small-pox prevails. 6. Careful inquiry by the Inspectors as to the children
who have not been vaccinated, and urging upon the parents the necessity of
taking such children without delay to the public vaccinator for vaccination.