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An outbreak of small-pox occurred in the Haokney Union
Infirmary that is so suggestive of the protective power of
vaccination and re-vaccination, that I propose giving an account
of it at some length.
The history of the outbreak is as follows:—A man,
M. J, whom we will call No. 1, was admitted into
the Infirmary on March 20th, when he was suffering with
symptons of secondary syphilis, viz., sore throat, loaded
tongue, and pains in his bones, with some fever. On
March 23rd and 24th a rash appeared, without any decided
increase of temperature, which was believed to be syphilitic,
especially as there was not any of the peculiar shotty feel
of small-pox rash. On the 27th the vesicles became
slightly pitted, when there was no longer any doubt as to
the nature of the disease. He was immediately removed
to the Homerton Small-pox Hospital. Daring the illness
his clothes were sent away to be washed with the others,
but as soon as the disease was recognized the beds and
bedding were taken away to the Disinfecting Chamber, but
I could not ascertain whether or not everything was
sent away. Probably not, for reasons to be presently
mentioned.
On March 26th, G. D. (who I will call No. 2) was
admitted into this Ward for some slight illness, and being
much better, took bis discharge on Match 30th, and returned
home to a small cottage at Lea Bridge. There was no
small-pox in the neighbourhood, and had not been for
some time; but he was attacked with the disease and
removed to the Hospital on April 9th, and as the
room was immediately disinfected by the officers of
the Board of Works, and the bed and bedding were
taken away and disinfected, no fresh cases occurred in
this locality.
On April 8th, F. H. (No. 3) had the rash of smallpox
upon him, having been ailing for a day or two, and