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In 1894 and 1895, I said I had investigated supposed
sources of Small-pox and was of opinion that great suspicion
attached to the Hospital Snips—at that time direct communication
was made between the ships and a landing stage at
Purfleet, and this was stopped. Now again when the ships
have a large number of cases on board, we have a severe
epidemic of the disease, especially at that part of the district
nearest to the ships, and the opinion that the M.A.B.'s
Ships are the great source of contagion, is strengthened by
the fact, of the little effect the immediate removal of cases to
Hospital and isolation of contacts had here, as compared to
that in outbreaks happening in other parts of the district.
I append a statement as to vaccination and re-vaccination
of all cases of Small-pox admitted into the Orsett and
Grays Joint Hospital. The numbers being larger than in
the Orsett District only, will be more likely to give a correct
idea of the results of vaccination and re-vaccination than if
taken from the Orsett cases only.
During the epidemic arrangements were made for
opening more vaccination stations, and inspections were
made at almost all the schools as to the state of vaccination
amongst the children. Many assistant vaccinators were
appointed, and altogether during the epidemic some 7000
persons were vaccinated or re-vaccinated.
The work caused by the epidemic threw a great strain
upon the Medical Officer of Health and the Sanitary
Inspector, the latter had assistance given him for four
months I am very pleased with the energy and ability
shewn by Mr. Hurst, the Sanitary Inspector, in carrying out
his duties. I gave from 5 to 6 hours daily to the work, and
used one of mv horses entirely for this work for five months.
Scarlet Fever
There were 139 cases of Scarlet Fever notified and 4
deaths. Forty-five of the cases were at the Thurrocks and
occurred at different times. Seven of the cases occurred at
Tilbury Docks. Two at the Ockendons, Twenty-eight at
Aveley and Stifford. Two at Orsett. Three at Stanford-leHope.
Thirty-seven at Mucking and Corringham. Seven
at Laindon Hills. The disease was everywhere of a very
mild type.
Diphtheria
There were 54 cases of Diphtheria notified and 6 deaths.
Four cases at Chadwell-St.-Mary (Docks), and no death.
Two at South and North Ockendon and no death. Twentyfour
at Mucking and Corringham and three deaths. Fourteen
at the Thurrocks and two deaths. Three at Aveley
and Stifford and one death. One at Orsett and no death.