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15
Small-Pox.
ss. "Prince Rupert City."—The above-mentioned Vessel arrived at Gravesend
on the 23rd January, from Vancouver (9th December, 1935), San Pedro (17th December,
1935), Panama Canal (30th December, 1935), and thence direct to London.
On arrival of the Vessel in dock, it was ascertained that four cases of Small-pox
had occurred during the voyage.
History of Cases.
Case 1.—An apprentice reported sick on 14th November, 1935, with backache,
headache and vomiting. Rash appeared 16th November, 1935. He was isolated on
board and, on arrival at Vancouver on 26th November, 1935, he died. This patient
was unvaccinated.
Case 2.—A cabin boy reported sick on 14th November, 1935, with backache,
headache and vomiting. The rash appeared the same day. He was landed at
Vancouver on 1st December, 1935. This patient also was unvaccinated and, although
a severe case, was recovering when landed.
Case 3.—Nine of the crew were left at the Quarantine Station, Vancouver, and
one is said to have died there.
Case 4.—An engineer was put ashore for observation on 6th December, 1935,
and was said to have developed a mild attack on 9th December, 1935.
Vaccination.—Vaccination of the whole of the crew was carried out at Vancouver
on 1st December, 1935. Eight new crew were signed on at Vancouver, and were
vaccinated on 9th December, 1935.
Measures taken to prevent Spread of Infection.—Cases 1 and 2 were immediately
isolated in the starboard alley-way. The bedding of the fatal case was destroyed,
and all other infected bedding and effects were removed ashore for steam disinfection.
All living quarters were disinfected with formalin gas (eight hours) and the sick
isolation quarters for 20 hours.
Action taken on arrival in London.—No fresh cases occurred en route. A general
inspection was carried out by Dr. Warrack on 24th January, 1936, who reported no
signs of recent Small-pox, and all crew thoroughly vaccinated or revaccinated. The
personal effects of Case 1, although they had been steam disinfected and fumigated
with formalin at Vancouver, were landed to Denton Hospital and again steam
disinfected.
ss. "Gaunless."—On 16th December, 1935, while the Vessel was at Sapele,
a Kroo boy (dock worker) complained of feeling unwell, and was found by the Master
to have spots on his face. He was immediately landed, and the Port Medical Officer
diagnosed the condition as Small-pox.
All bedding and effects were removed for disinfection, and the infected quarters
disinfected. All the crew (with the exception of three who showed signs of recent
successful vaccination) were vaccinated. No further cases occurred.
ss. "Matra."—The ss. "Matra" arrived at Gravesend on 14th March, 1936,
from Calcutta and reported having landed three of the native crew during the voyage,
suffering from Small-pox.
History of Cases.—The crew signed on in Calcutta and the entire ship's personnel
was vaccinated on 31st December, 1935, at that port.
Case 1.—Reported sick on 19th January, 1936. The patient was immediately
isolated and on arrival at Suez on 21st January, 1936, was diagnosed to be suffering
from Small-pox and removed to hospital. The entire crew were revaccinated at Suez
on 21st January, 1936. On leaving Suez the forecastle and hospital were fumigated
with Sulphur Dioxide.
Case 2.—Reported sick on 26th January, 1936, and was landed at Oran on
28th January, 1936, for observation. (This man eventually arrived at Gravesend in
another vessel as a Distressed British Seaman, and, on examination, showed no
signs of having had Small-pox.)