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13
The first few cases were taken down in the ship's boat, but afterwards your
Medical Officer placed the launch at the disposal of the ship. During the
outbreak sixteen cases were thus removed, all proving of a mild type, and
recovering satisfactorily.
On the appearance of the outbreak I at once visited the ship, and after
consultation with the Captain-Superintendent, advised :—
(1). That every case should be removed to hospital immediately on diagnosis,
and that the bedding and clothes should accompany them, and be
there dealt with.
(2). That the admission of new boys should be stopped.
(3). That no visiting should be allowed, and
(4). That the washing 'tween decks should be dispensed with, dry
scrubbing being employed in lieu thereof.
These suggestions were at once adopted. The Medical Officer visited the
vessel twice daily, and a general inspection of all the boys was made by him
twice a week. At the same time the sleeping deck was occasionally fumigated
by the burning of a small quantity of sulphur.
On the 28th March, no case having then occurred for eight days, I ordered
the thorough fumigation of the vessel, and offered to send an Inspector on
board to supervise and direct.
This was carried out on 31st by an Inspector, when the whole ship was
thoroughly fumigated for five hours, 145 lbs. of sulphur being employed for
the purpose.
The convalescents, on their return from hospital, were detained in isolation
at the ship's infirmary before being allowed to go on board.
In a report to the ship's authorities I made the following remarks :—
" The origin of the outbreak is somewhat doubtful. I am certainly of
" opinion that the first case was one of scarlet fever, though Dr. Male, who
" carefully watched the boy, was unable to make a positive diagnosis. If this
" were so the extension to the ship would almost certainly follow. Isolation
" is practicably impossible in the building under any circumstances, and
" absolutely so when other boys are living therein, and daily communication
" with the shore takes place, as was the case.
" Under the circumstances it is a matter for great congratulation that the
" prompt measures taken should have proved so successful in checking the
" progress of the disease.