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7
Action taken to
prevent spread
of Infectious
Disease
Removal of cases of Small-pox (except one) to the Infectious
Hospital. All other cases were isolated (as well as they
could be), and disinfected and treated at home—calling
attention to the necessity for the vaccination and re-vaccination
of all persons who had been in contact with cases of Small-pox.
Closing of schools at Tilbury Docks and Stanford-le-Hope
on account of Measles, and at South Ockendon on account of
Scarlet Fever.
Cause and Distribution
of
Disease
The most unhealthy part of the district is round Tilbury
Docks; here the soil is peaty and water-logged; cesspits
continually overflowing, back yards frequently under water,
houses damp. Many cottages are now connected with the sewer
and I hope to see a great improvement in the death-rate.
Of the 12 cases of Small-pox notified, eleven were in
West Thurrock. Again I have to call attention to the fact
that all but one of the cases of Small-pox which occurred in
the district were at West Thurrock. Four sources of possible
infection were investigated, viz,: The Hospital Ships in the
river Thames opposite Purfleet, the Paper Factory, the heap
of Befuse from dust-bins from South Kensington, the great
number of Excursionists during the summer from the East
End of London to Purfleet. I am of opinion that the
Hospital Ships some 600 yards from the nearest cottages are
the most suspicious. At the Paper Works, only a very small
portion of household rags are used, and the disease in no
instance arose amongst the sorters of the rags. The accumulation
of refuse from the dust-bins of South Kensington is a
not impossible source of infection, but I would here remark
that we had many cases of Small-pox in this district before
the dust-bin heap was there, and seeing that all cases are
notified and removed from houses when the cases are in only
a very slightly infectious state, it is not at all a likely source
of infection. The great number of excursionists coming to
Purfleet is, to my mind, a possible, but also a doubtful source
of infection.
Cholera
Cholera.—In view of the probability of this disease
being introduced into the district through Tilbury Docks, the
steps taken last year were again adopted. A certificated
nurse was ordered to be obtained to attend on telegraphic
notice. An agreement was made to hire a cottage near
Tilbury Docks (for administrative purposes) with land on
which to erect tents. Two double tents have been purchased,
and are kept at the Isolation Hospital. Water proof sheeting,
hot water bottles, and a good supply of mercuric disinfectant
were got. The water supply to the cottage is from a deep
well at Low street, tapped on its way to supply the Railway
cottages at Tilbury station.