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32
The blankets vised by the boys are only washed once in four months, and
it is possible that some of B.'s blankets might have been voluntarily or
involuntarily exchanged with those of other boys, or that organisms of
Enteric Fever might have blown from E. B.'s blankets to those of other boys
during the weekly process of airing, and as H. M. was discharged on
January 15th, the cases occurring after February 1st might have been infected
by him.
One case, C.E., was definitely infected in Hospital.
The outbreak pointed to the source of infection being on the ship, and
although this could not be definitely traced, the suspicion pointed to its being
due to some articles of bedding which had in some way or other become
infected accordingly.
All the bedding, clothing and effects, in all 767 bundles, were removed to
Denton Hospital on February 5th, where they were disinfected by means of
steam ; on the same day the ship was thoroughly washed down inside with a
solution of "Cyllin," the water tanks were cleaned out, and the bilges and
sanitary conveniences disinfected.
The fresh-water hose was overhauled and found to be in good order.
Although four cases have been reported since February 5th, two of them
were first noticed ailing on February 4th, and as the incubation period of this
disease is roughly about 14 days, the other two boys were probably infected
previous to that date, so that the outbreak ceascd as soon as all the bedding
had been disinfected.
I have pointed out that persons, even when convalescent, may retain the
organisms of Enteric Fever within their body for some considerable time, and
are, therefore, a potential source of danger, and I represented to the Captain
and Medical Officer that the period of convalescence should be prolonged as
far as possible before the return of the boys to the ship, and that the blankets
should be washed more frequently.
Dr. Dunlop, the Medical Officer in charge of the ship, visited the boys and
examined them daily, and at once isolated any boy who was at all ill, and in
this way the majority of the cases were isolated from the very first day of the
disease, a result not commonly attained in dealing with cases of Enteric Fever.
I have to thank him for his cordial co-operation, also Captain Steele and
the officers of the ship for the ready and willing assistance they rendered the
officers of this Authority in dealing with the outbreak.