SMALLPOX IN AUSTRALIA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3100, 13 August 1913, Page 26

SMALLPOX IN AUSTRALIA.

VACCINATION IN SYDNEY

HALF THE RESIDENTS DEALT WITH.

SUSPECTED CASE ON A LINER,

ANOTHER. CASE IN QUEENSLAND

SYDNEY, August 5,

Five cases of smallpox were reported in the city to-day, including a girl 12 years old, who is in the Sydney hospital and who it is supposed got the infection from her brother wltile he was visiting her. The authorities have found a woman who was suffering from smallpox and who had been dodging them for a week. A mild case has occurred at Kosciusko. August 6. It is estimated that 340,000 people, or one-half the total population within the metropolitan area, have been vaccinated. The suspected case of smallpox at Armidale has been diagnosed as chickenpox. Four cases of smallpox were reported today, including another woman who has been dodging the authorities. August 7. Seven cases of smallpox were reported in the metropolitan area to-day, including a Maori, who caught the infection in Sydney, and two at Ulmarra in a family, one member of which lias already been attacked. There are 243 patients and contacts in quarantine. The total number attacked since the outbreak commenced is 434. Owing to the discovery of a case of smallpox in the Sydney Hospital only vaccinated visitors or others where the cases are urgent are now admitted. t August 8. Six cases of smallpox were reported in the metropolitan area to-day. A steward on the P. and O. liner Mongolia (which arrived 15 days ago), who was vaccinated on July 17, when the vessel was between Fremantle and Adelaide, has been quarantined as a suspect. The doctors, however, are not unanimous whether it is actually a case of smallpox or whether the vaccination has been successful. The precaution has been taken to fumigate the vessel and trace the contacts. August 10. Five cases of smallpox were reported in tlie metropolitan area on Saturday and three to-day. The case of Harden, a steward on the Mongolia, has been diagnosed as smallpox. The steamer sailed without communicating with the shore. August 11. A deputation representing those who are opposed to compulsory vaccination interviewed Mr Holman to-day.

Amongst other objections they stated that the recent vaccinations had been responsible for thousands of workers being incapacitated. Many of them had been made seriously ill, and it was believed that some deaths had occurred. Mr Holman, in replying, said he had received further information which would probably lead to a reconsideration of the decision to make vaccination compulsory for infants only. The Cabinet was prepared to adopt a form of law which would give the most advantage and yet be most considerate to conscientious objectors. Personally he was prepared to allow a citizen who had objections either for himself or his child to be exempt upon complying with certain forms. There would be no obnoxious tyranny over the minds of those who did not believe in vaccination. Eight cases of smallpox were reported to-day, including two cases in one house. A third suspect was missing until the fumigation of a stable forced him from his hiding place amongst some straw. After a slack period vaccination has become more active. The public are now travelling more freely on the railways and shipping. BRISBANE, August 5. Three suspicious cases have been proved not to be smallpox. August 9. Owing to i/mallpox Queensland has been proclaimed an affected area under the Quarantine Act. August 11. Another case of smallpox has been found at Ipswich. PERTH, August 11. A suspicious case which lias been under observation here has been proved not to be smallpox. AGES OF PATIENTS. YOUNG PEOPLE ATTACKED. The tabulated records do not show the ages of all the patients ; but the figures wtiich are available provide some interesting information (says the Sydney Sun). It is seen that the apparent age of greatest liability has been from 20 to 25 years of age, over 25 per cent, of the total having been between those agee. This may be accounted for by the outbreak having occurred in the first place among factory employees comprising largo numbers of girls and young men of that ago. The following table shows the ages of the patients in 256 cases: —

Though the figures quoted cannot afford a precise guide to the course pi the epidemic, so far as the ago of the victims is concerned, they make one thing clear, that the great bulk of the sufferers arc under 30 years of age. _ ' In other words, the disease has attacked what would be ordinarily regarded as the physical pick of the community. It apparently, finds congenial opportunity for growth in the young unvaocinated adults and adolescents.

Under 5 years 15 Over 5 and under 10 years 16 Over 10 and under 15 years 22 Over 15 and under 20 years 52 Over 20 and under 25 years 74 Over 25 and under 50 years 48 Over 30 and under 40 years ; 12 Over 40 and under 50 years 9 Over 50 and under 60 years 5 Over 60 years 3