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9
MEDICAL INSPECTION OF SHIPS ENTERING THE MEDWAY.
Since early in the War the practice of boarding and medically inspecting ships
entering the Medway at Sheerness has not been carried on.
The Port was largely closed to ordinary traffic, and the customary facilities for
the Boarding Medical Officer, telephonic and transport, were not available. The
services of Dr. Legge were utilised at Gravesend. Traffic has, however, increased in
the Port of late at this point, though of such a nature as to require less attention as
regards infectious disease than formerly. In case of infectious disease, an arrangement
has been made with His Majesty's Customs for the conveyance of immediate information
to this Authority.
Aliens among the crews on merchant ships about to enter the Medway are landed
at Southend-at-Sea by the Naval Authorities. This gave rise to the possibility of
transfer of infectious cases to that town, and in one instance a case of Measles was
landed. An arrangement has therefore been made by which information of infectious
disease among crews is forthwith sent to this Authority by the Naval Examining
Authorities, and the ship implicated is directed to proceed towards Gravesend. Such a
vessel is met by launch, inspected, and such removals and disinfection as is necessary
are effected.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
The total number of cases reported from all sources was 515, this number beingsomewhat
above the decennial average. The number of cases of Measles, 168, shows an
approach to the average, and is much below the number reported in any year
since 1913.
There is likewise a reduction in the number of cases of Enteric Fever, and of
Tuberculosis in its various forms.
Of Plague, 18 cases were reported as having occurred on the voyage, this number
being nearly four times the average. Nine of these cases were removed to the
Port Sanitary Hospital.
Only two cases of Small-pox were reported : a quite remarkable occurrence, the
decennial average being 19.0. Both of the cases reported were landed at distant oversea
ports, and all proper precautions taken.
With the exception of " German Measles," 33 cases, the remaining infectious
diseases show a reduction. The 166 cases of "other diseases" include 102 cases of
Malaria, which is not a notifiable disease, but one which has required attention, and to
which I have given space in this Report.