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39
5. Notification to M.O.H.'s of other districts of contacts if residing
or working out of the district.
6. Notification to vaccination officer and offers of gratuitous
vaccination.
7. Removal of house refuse after disinfection and in special carts.
8. Distribution of leaflets in the neighbouring houses and streets
advising re-vaccination.
9. Observation of contacts.
The epidemic caused a great deal of extra work, which was done
willingly and well by Mr. West and his staff, with the result that the
disease was kept well within its original limits and soon got rid of.
I personally visited every case notified and others presenting doubtful
symptoms, when asked by those attending.
The extra and unlooked for expenditure was £728 11s. 9d.
SCARLATINA OR SCARLET FEVER.
Five hundred and twenty-seven cases of Scarlet Fever were notified
during the year, the largest number since notification became compulsory,
save the years 1902 and 1893. Throughout the year the disease
was prevalent, and was confined to no particular ward. In July
27 cases occurred, followed by 56 in August, 62 in September, and 93
in October—the maximum number for the year. In December the
number notified had fallen to 47.
Thirteen of the cases occurred at the St. Mary's Orphanage.
To deal satisfactorily with such a large number of cases was impossible
with our limited isolation accommodation. Numerous applications were
made for the Sanatorium and refused, and many complaints resulted.
Deciding what was best for the community generally, did not always
commend itself, and was not acceptable, to many—some sending their
grievances to the Local Government Board. But no private influence
was consulted, and my selection was not influenced or dictated by any
consideration other than what I considered was best for all.
On pages 32 and 77 will be found tables giving the numbers notified
monthly, with the ages and wards affected.