THE SPREAD OF SMALL-POX IN SURREY.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 807, 29 April 1871, Page 3

THE SPREAD OF SMALL-POX IN SURREY.

Despite the great precautions taken to allay and prevent the spread of this fearful disease, it has extended into many districts in Surrey At Mitcham and "Wellington it is very prevalent, and its impoitation is ascribed to the washing and cleansing of bedding, mattresses, <fec, from St. Bartholomew's Hospital being performed at an establishment in the locality. In Lambeth parish there is no increase in the weekly averages of the last month. The Brixton and Clapham police-constables have been vaccinated in small divisions, and sick leave allowed when required, and public vaccinators have been appointed in every district of the parish. The new small-pox hospital at Stackwell, constructed for 104 beds, is full of patients, and the new fever hospital in close proximity, is now appropriated to the reception of small-pox patients, and more than 200 persons affected have been admitted since the recent opening of these institutions. The officials are vigilant in checking the practice of patients affected by small-pox being brought in licensed vehicles and strong disinfectants are used in the buildings, and the conveyances employed, and the friends of the patients are not permitted to visit the ward except under special circumstances. The deaths have been very considerable in number, but many patients are not brought to the hospital until in a most frightful and actually dying condition. The hospital authorities are in great want of nurses for the sick. The villas and houses around are quite deserted, and this hospital is deemed a "calamity" to the neighbourhood. At the district and other schools, children are kept away by the parents from fear of small-pox infection. In many establishments the vaccination of servants is rigidly insisted upon.