, 1880-12-22

cases of epidemic sickness, and to correct mis-
representations which may go abroad to public
detriment, | beg you to publish the following
facts:
There have been, since 18th October Until
date, In all 10 cases of fever, in which 8 have
died with decided symptoms of yellow fever.
A few decidedly yellow fever cases recovered,
while the rest of the cases were of such a form,
that the diagnosis Of yellow fever could hardly
be preoised.
With two exceptions, which might or might
not be claimed as geliow fever eases, no inhabi-
tant of the country has been attacked. All the
sick, otherwise, We're new arrivals, either and
that mostly, sailors and only tour residing
ashn re.-Another circumstance to be noted is,
that nearly all cases We're preceded and In
duoed by gross infraction of ordinary rules Of
discretion. The only exception to this rule
was the sickness in the Cleopatra, an old ship
in distress, in which the crew gradually be-
came sick as the cargo was taken out. When
the crew was removed to the shore, all sick
ness ceased. The last of The Cleopdtra's cases
of sickness we're on the Sih instant. The ship
has been removed from the harbour to the Gre
CORY channel and has been disinfected.
Since then (the Sth) hut one case has occur
red-on board the Il. NJ. s. Eider-whicA is a
dangerous one, and The patient, also 10 this case.
has predisposed himself, to the disease by in
discretion. Beyond this single one there is
not another case of yellow fever 10 the place.
The cases of yellow fever have all been
promptly and carefully isolated, and the sick
ness has at no time assumed an epidemic cha
%racter, bearing 10 mind our very large floating
and constantly changing populat on of strang-
ers and seamen. The result TINS amounts 10
nineteen cases, including even the doubtful
ones, during a period OF nine weeks in a popu-
lation Of about $4,000 residents and, within the
same period, about an equal number of per-
sons unaccustomed to a tropical climate.
SO much with regard to the yellow fever.
A few remarks now about smallpox.
On the 5th of this month a person was
found hiding with smallpox. He had arrived
here from Ponce, Pto. Rico in the French
stmr. st. Dominique OH the 25th November.
The ship had clean Bill of Health, and her
Doctor reported call vel" on board. II
seems that he was taken sick a few days after
his arrival, 20 that there was ample time
before his detection to propagate the sickness.
That this has been the case, has been proved
by the discovery il these latter days, say from
15th-1Sth, of, in all, seven cases, the known
time of incuba ion OF this sickness 13 days
proving that the Infection was taken just in
the days preceding bis detection. I lay parti-
cular stress on this point, as | thereby am
sanguine that no more cases will develop from
the original source, and l am even hopeful
that through the adoption of energetic
means-all of the patients and their surround
ing friends and family. according to the degree
of suspicion, having been isolated and placed
under strict surveillance, and their bedding
and apparel having been destroyed-the dis
seminated focus has been arrested.
In conclusion I will merely state, that the
disease is of a most benign character, endan-
gering the life of none of the patients.
Should any unavoidable change take place
in either of these diseases, I shall consider it
my duty TO bring i: to public knowledge,
truth being in oil cases the best and only
course known to me.
am, Sir, your obdt. Servt,
A, MAGENS.
Kings Physician.
ST. Thomas. 18th December 1880.