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6
The Small Pox Epidemic, Disinfection, Isolation and Removal
of Patients.
The Epidemics of both Small Pox and Scarlet Fever have
been very prevalent and fatal in this Parish. The 16 deaths
registered in the Parish from Small Pox do not represent the
fatal deaths from the disease, for some of the persons removed
to the Hampstead Hospital have died (probably 5, making in all
21 deaths as the number). The number of cases removed from
private dwellings, during the Quarter ending March 25th, was
73, and 103 have been specially visited and placed under the
personal superintendence of Inspector Clifford,* with the view of
having the rooms disinfected and cleansed ; woollen things and
bedding being ordered to be removed in a covered van to Messrs.
Armfield & Son., Disinfecting Establishment, Pimlico ; and the
linen articles washed with disinfectants.
The quantity of goods disinfected in this establishment may
be estimated by the quarter's account, which is £32—at the rate
of 30s. per cwt.; this includes articles belonging to families of
persons not in a position to pay for their disinfection.
In an instance where 3 cases occurred in one house in succession,
the house was ordered to be closed for ten days. Nine
rooms were fumigated, and no fresh cases have since occurred.
A large majority of cases were imported from infected districts,
(Westminster especially), showing the necessity of general action
with regard to isolation, removal, and disinfection. One neglected
household may scatter fever poisons in all directions.
With a view to prevent extension, in some instances, the ordinary
duties of relatives, or those in attendance on the sick,
were suspended from their labours. The Poor Law Guardians
have under these circumstances not hesitated to give efficient
temporary relief. Police Constables have been relieved from their
duties ; a Tailor, a Dressmaker, and a Washerwoman (who
had four children ill with small pox) have been restrained
from sending work home from the sick room, or things out
of the house before being disinfected. Where the disinfection
has not been performed by the Inspector, a notice was
served upon Occupiers and Landlords, who have themselves
carried out the duties in accordance with the Provisions of the
Sanitary Act, while Certificates from Medical men have been
demanded, stating that disinfection and cleansing have been
carried out to their satisfaction. We have received 32 of
these certificates. It is gratifying to state that in scarcely any
instance has a second case been observed in those houses where
early removal was decided upon.
*Since this was written (April 1st) more than a month has elapsed, and above one hundred
additional cases have occurred, of whicn 80 have been removed from private houses.