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15. In certain cases special medical arrangements are necessary.
For instance, as cases of Cholera in this country sometimes begin
somewhat gradually in the comparatively tractable form of what is
called "Premonitory Diarrhœa," it is essential that, where Cholera has
appeared, arrangements should be made for affording medical relief
without delay to persons attacked, even slightly, with looseness of
bowels. So, again, where Small-pox is the prevailing disease, it is
essential that all unvaccinated persons (unless they previously have
had Small-pox) should very promptly be vaccinated; and that
re-vaccination should be performed in cases properly requiring it.
16. It is always to be desired that the people should, as far as
possible, know what real precautions they can take against the disease
which threatens them, what vigilance is needful with regard to its
early symptoms, and what (if any) special arrangements have been
made for giving medical assistance within the district. For the
purpose of such information, printed hand-bills or placards may
usefully be employed, and in cases where danger is great, house-tohouse
visitation by discreet and competent persons may be of the
utmost service, both in quieting unreasonable alarm and in leading
or assisting the less educated and the destitute parts of the population
to do what is needful for safety; as well as in the discovery of
unreported or suspicious cases of illness.
17. The present memorandum relates to occasions of emergency.
Therefore the measures suggested in it are essentially of an extemporaneous
kind; and permanent provisions for securing the public
health have in express terms been but little insisted on. It is to be
remembered, however, that in proportion as a district is habitually
well cared for by its Local Authority, the more formidable
emergencies of epidemic disease are not likely to arise in it.
18. Provision by the Local Authority for disinfection by steam of
bulky articles, and of those which cannot, without injury, be boiled in
water or exposed to chemical agencies, ought always to be in