Nothing to be Alarmed About

The Essex Chronicle is archived by the British Newspaper Archive under the title the Chelmsford Chronicle. In the 1930s it was a typical local newspaper, providing readers every Friday with news, information and guidance. The earliest edition in the British Newspaper Archive is dated 3^rd January 1783. The Archive includes every edition from 1^st June 1832 onwards. Typical of all newspapers, each edition is made up of a long series of items, each beginning with a heading and then some text, often punctuated by sub-headings and photographs. The newspaper was owned by the Meggy-Thomson Partnership, established in 1885. The firm also published the Essex Newsman.

This appendix includes transcriptions of all items in the Chronicle published in 1938 or 1939, that include ‘infantile paralysis’ in their titles. There are a few obvious spelling errors and inconsistencies in the original newspapers. For example, one victim of polio is named ‘James Clift’ in some editions and ‘James Cleft’ in others, and I came across an item that refers to ‘affection’ when it seems obvious that what was intended was ‘infection’. Where unambiguous, I have corrected such mistakes and ironed out any inconsistency in names.

I include all headings and sub-headings. Occasionally, I have omitted extended parts of an item that are unrelated to infantile paralysis. These omissions are marked by […]. Where the newspaper publishes an extended statement from some other source, a local Medical Officer of Health for example, I have indented this.

4^th March 1938, page 9, column 4

ILLNESS OR ALCOHOL?

[…] Counsel for the defence had suggested that the effects of infantile paralysis from which the man suffered had been mistaken for those caused by too much alcohol. […]

29^th July 1938, page 7, column 8

INFANTILE PARALYSIS AT HALSTEAD

‘IRON LUNG’ FOR BOY

In an effort to save the lung of a thirteen-year-old boy named La Niece, in Halstead Isolation Hospital, suffering from infantile paralysis, an ‘iron lung’ was rushed from Southend on Saturday night.

During the day the boy, one of several patients in the hospital suffering from the disease developed very serious symptoms, and doctors and nurses began to despair of saving his life. Members of the local Ambulance Brigade were mustered to render artificial respiration if necessary but fortunately the ‘iron lung’ arrived at midnight, and the boy was immediately placed in it.

Throughout the night Dr J.S. Ranson, Medical Officer of Health for the Halstead district, remained at the hospital, and Dr F.E. Camps, of Chelmsford was also in consultation. Unhappily La Niece, whose home is at Castle Hedingham, and who was a pupil at Earls Colne Grammar School, died on Monday night, after being in the ‘iron lung’ for 44 hours.

Offer of an ‘iron lung’ and other assistance was also received from Sir Henry Gauvin, from Alton, Hants.

During the past few days several cases of infantile paralysis have been notified in the Halstead district. At present there are 11 cases, and eight of the patients are in Halstead Isolation Hospital.

Precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the epidemic have been taken. Schools have been closed, and Halstead public baths closed to children under ten years of age. Sunday schools in Halstead were also closed on Sunday. Children should not be allowed to congregate.

The disease is due to a virus which may be carried by a person who appears to be in good health. It usually attacks children under the age of six, but older children and adults are also subject to it, the type being more severe in such cases. In its mildest form the disease takes the form of feverishness, with vomiting and stiffness in the back of the neck, with or without pain in the abdomen. The severe form is easily recognised by the paralysis. Parents suspecting their children to be suffering from any of these symptoms should immediately call in a doctor.

Adequate arrangements have been made to deal with any cases which may arise. There is accommodation at the hospital for 24 cases, and the huts which are used for emergency have been prepared ready for occupation.

A twenty-four-year-old married woman of Halstead was taken to hospital on Monday suffering from infantile paralysis. It is unusual for an adult to be attacked by the disease.

“EVERYTHING POSSIBLE” DONE

At Halstead Urban Council on Monday, the Chairman, Mr H.G. Hughes, asked whether everything possible had been done to check the outbreak?

Dr Ranson replied in the affirmative and said the period of incubation of the disease was from four to fourteen days. It was caused by a filterable virus, which was only discerned with difficulty under a microscope. It was quite a common thing to have an isolated case of the disease. All medical practitioners in the district had been notified of the presence of the disease. There were four cases in hospital from the Rural District. 

The Chairman thanked the Medical Officer for all he had done and was doing in the matter.

FELSTED BOYS VICTIMS

Four boys at Felsted School, fifteen miles from Halstead, are suffering from the disease. They are in the school sanatorium, under the care of London specialists. They are going on well.

On Monday, the Headmaster of Felsted School, the Rev. Julian Bickersteth, said:

Fortunately our Medical Officer, Dr G.O. Barber, Dunmow, diagnosed the illness in its very earliest stages, and the boys affected are going on well, and there has been no spread of the diseases. We are quite at a loss to know how the boys caught it. The four boys became ill on the evening of July 15, complaining of headaches and pains in the neck and back. Precautions were at once taken to isolate all contacts. There are 400 boys at the school. Some have been allowed to go home in their parents’ cars, on the understanding that they are kept in strict quarantine for the full incubation period, but 80 boys who should have begun their summer holidays on Tuesday are staying at the school until August 4. The remaining 320 went home by private cars. Dr Barber has handled the situation most admirably, and he has been warmly praised by the specialists for diagnosing the illness so quickly. We have taken most complete precautions to prevent the disease spreading, and there is no occasion at all for alarm. The OTC camp has been cancelled, and two boys who were to have gone to the Duke of York’s camp at Southwold are going home instead.

SPREAD TO BRAINTREE

Three Braintree children – Janet Bardell, aged 5, and her brother David, aged 3½, of 6 Cressing Way, and John Howlett, aged 12, of Knowle House, Rayne Road – were hurried to Braintree Isolation Hospital on Monday night, it being feared they had contracted infantile paralysis. On Tuesday a specialist from London confirmed this diagnosis.

Dr J. Hatton, the Braintree MOH, said: “There is no cause for alarm. The outbreak is only mild. The children concerned were taken ill between Wednesday and Friday last week, and were kept under observation, and I am happy to state that they are no worse, which is a good sign.”

As a precautionary measure the five elementary schools in the town and the Council’s open-air swimming pool have been closed. Dr Hatton advises parents to keep children segregated during the summer holidays and to avoid stuffy buildings. 

According to a Ministry of Health official, the present outbreak in Essex cannot be regarded as an epidemic.

ESSEX PAC’s DECISION

Essex Public Assistance Committee on Wednesday complied with a request from the County Medical Officer (Dr W.A. Bullough) to bar visitors to Braintree Institution in view of the infantile paralysis outbreak. The restriction will last for at least a fortnight.

The Committee also decided that inmates of the Children’s Homes at Braintree and Dunmow should not be sent to the camp at East Mersea for their holidays until permission was given by Dr Bullough.

Mr S.S. Wilson asked if the affected children would be given a holiday later in the year.

The Chairman (Mr A. Brooks) said no promises could be given.

Several members pressed the question, but Mr W.F. Winbolt said anyone who knew anything at all about this disease would be prepared for the whole county to be placed in quarantine if necessary.

Mr J.T. Sanders (vice-chairman) said the position was surely clear to intelligent people. When the outbreak was over it would be the desire and wish of the people concerned to give the children a holiday if at all possible.

“NOTHING MUCH TO WORRY ABOUT”

COUNTY MEDICAL OFFICER’S STATEMENT

Dr W.A. Bullough, the Essex County Medical Officer, informs THE ESSEX CHRONICLE:-

There has been a great deal of publicity in connection with the cases of infantile paralysis in Essex during the last two or three weeks, and it may be that the public are getting anxious and concerned, but actually there is nothing much to worry about, except for the unfortunate sufferers themselves and their friends.

Many experts foresaw what has now taken place. Sir Henry Gauvin advised me a year ago that he thought infantile paralysis would become prevalent this summer, and he has proved only too correct in his surmise.

The first patients were the four cases at Felsted School, but now it would appear that the first patients actually occurred in the Halstead district, where there have been ten in all up to the present time. During this last weekend, three more patients have been discovered in Braintree, but energetic measures have been taken by all the authorities concerned and it is hoped there will be few more, if any, cases.

The County Council has co-operated closely with the local sanitary authorities, and have put at their disposal the services of Dr F.E. Camps, who has worked untiringly in finding out cases and giving them the necessary treatment.

One poor lad needed the special apparatus known by the public as the ‘iron lung’, and we were fortunate in being able to borrow one from the Southend Corporation. In the meantime, authority has been given to obtain one for the county area, but it will be some weeks before this can be delivered, and for the time being the necessary apparatus will be borrowed if any patient requires it.

Precautionary measures in respect to closing of schools and stopping visitors to public institutions and any unnecessary assemblage of persons has been decided upon. The public may rest assured that everything is being done to protect the spread of infection and that if any persons do become affected energetic measures are taken to limit the consequences of the attack.

The early symptoms are headache, stiffness of the neck and pain in the back, and patients should consult their doctor in respect to any of their infants or children who manifest these symptoms.

“WELL IN HAND”

The Ministry of Health, reporting on the outbreak on Wednesday, stated: “The outbreak is well in hand, and there is no cause for alarm. Small outbreaks of the disease are not uncommon in this county, and an average number of ten or twelve cases a week are notified.”

Dr Norman Smith, a medical officer of the Ministry of Health, is assisting the local health authorities.

No further cases were notified at Halstead or Braintree on Wednesday.

29^th July 1938, page 12, column 4

BRAINTREE

SUN LIDO CLOSED – Yesterday it was announced that owing to the outbreak of infantile paralysis, Mr L. Hunnable had decided to close the Braintree Sun Lido until further notice.

5^th August 1938, page 10, column 1

Infantile paralysis

More cases at braintree and halstead

Braintree woman in iron lung

There are now eight cases of infantile paralysis at Braintree. The most serious is that of Mrs Peggy Goodwin, aged 26, of 153 South Street, Braintree, wife of Mr H.F. Goodwin. She was a mild case when admitted to the Isolation Hospital on Monday night, but next day her condition became worse. In response to an urgent message from Dr T.W. Panter, the medical officer, Supt. E.A. Parish JP, and members of the local Ambulance Brigade reported themselves for duty at the Hospital, and for nearly an hour on Tuesday performed artificial respiration on Mrs Goodwin who, besides being gravely ill with the paralysis, is expecting her second baby in about five months’ time. She has one daughter, aged fifteen months. The iron lung from Southend General Hospital was rushed over to Braintree, and Mrs Goodwin was placed inside it, and she has been in the apparatus ever since. Dr Panter and the nursing staff wore special face masks, and took it in turns to sit up with the patient. On Wednesday night her condition was described by Dr Panter as being “a little better, but serious.” Yesterday she was “a little better.”

The first three children to be admitted to the Braintree Isolation Hospital eleven days ago are making satisfactory progress. “Unless something untoward happens, I think they are going to make a complete recovery,” says Dr J. Hatton, Braintree medical officer. Last weekend an eight-year-old girl of Bishops Avenue, Braintree, was found to have contracted the illness, and she was removed to the Isolation Hospital on Sunday. Hers is not a severe case, and she is reported to be “quite comfortable.” A nine-year-old girl of Bartram Avenue was taken to hospital on Saturday for observation, and the diagnosis has been confirmed. Bishop’s Avenue and Bartram Avenue are situated close by each other on the Urban Council’s housing estate.

The seventh victim of the illness at Braintree is a three-and-a-half-year-old boy, of Coronation Avenue, Braintree. He was admitted to hospital on Wednesday morning. It is not a serious case, and the doctors are “quite satisfied with the progress he is making.” The fullest precautions continue to be taken, and the public are requested to cooperate, particularly on the question of keeping children segregated. “Despite the three further cases we have had this week, there is no occasion whatever for alarm,” Dr Hatton says.

The eighth case, reported at Braintree yesterday, is that of a girl, aged five, of Coggeshall Road.

Several Braintree people who had booked holiday apartments at seaside resorts have been requested by hotel and boarding-house proprietors to cancel the bookings, as they fear the possibility of the disease spreading.

The Braintree Lido Swimming Pool has been re-opened, but children under the age of ten will not be admitted.

The four Felsted schoolboys who are suffering from the illness are making excellent progress. One goes home today (Friday), and the other three are going away today for special orthopaedic treatment. The eighty boys who were left behind at the school in quarantine went home yesterday. “We are fortunate to have got over the trouble so well,” the Headmaster told The Essex Chronicle on Wednesday.

There are now 17 cases at the Halstead Isolation Hospital. Two boys, aged five and seven years respectively, were admitted on Wednesday. “They are quite mild cases, like all our other cases here,” the Matron said, “and they are quite comfortable.”

12^th August 1938, page 7, column 4

IRON LUNG

TO THE EDITOR: […] While surgeons have worked frantically relays to apply artificial respiration so that the victim, stricken with infantile paralysis, or with a respiratory disease, could continue breathing, hospital staffs have made desperate appeals for the vital apparatus. […] Chelmsford

12^th August 1938, page 10, column 1

INFANTILE PARALYSIS

MORE BRAINTREE CASES

A LULL AT HALSTEAD

Over the weekend four fresh mild cases of infantile paralysis at Braintree were confirmed – on Friday, a boy of nine from Notley Road; on Saturday, a boy of seven of East Street, and a girl aged five of Penticton Road; and on Sunday a girl of seven from Rayne Road. In addition there was a case from Felsted (a boy aged six), and one from Newton Green, Dunmow (a boy aged five). These also were mild cases.

On Monday, three more cases were taken to hospital at Braintree; a boy aged four, Baker Lane, Black Notley; and a boy of 11, from Felsted, the last-named being brother of one admitted on Sunday.

On Tuesday four further cases were reported in the Braintree district – a girl aged five, of Coggeshall Road, Braintree; a boy aged four of Great Saling; a girl of 11, of Council Houses, Bradwell; and a boy aged 12, of Church Lane, Bocking. All are mild cases.

THREE DEATHS

The most disquieting news this week is that two persons are believed to have died from the disease at their homes. They are Jill Hart, aged seven, of 3 Mill Lane, Cressing, and Joan Locke, aged fourteen, of Penners Farm, Queenborough Lane, Braintree. “They died suddenly after a very acute illness, and there was no time for the authorities to do anything,” We were informed: “infantile paralysis is suspected, and the Chelmsford pathologist, Dr F.E. Camps, has carried out post-mortem examinations, and we are now awaiting his reports.”

Yesterday it was announced that an iron lung from North-Western Fever Hospital, London, was rushed to Braintree Isolation Hospital for Eric Baker, 11, of Felsted, but he died a few hours after being placed in the lung. His brother, aged six, is also in the hospital.

Up to Wednesday there were one adult and fifteen children suffering from the disease in the Braintree Isolation Hospital, and, in addition, there were five Braintree cases, all children, in the Isolation Hospital at Halstead.

On Wednesday there were no fresh notifications.

Most of the patients are making good progress, and Mrs Goodwin, for whom an ‘iron lung’ was rushed from Southend, is making progress.

On Saturday, at the instruction of Dr Hatton, Medical Officer for Braintree, the streets were sprayed with disinfectant as a precautionary measure.

MOH AND BRAINTREE CASES

“peak expected in a day or two”

At a meeting of the Braintree and Bocking Urban Council on Tuesday, Dr Hatton said the first case in the locality occurred at Halstead at the beginning of July; then came the cases at Felsted on July 15, followed by a case at Braintree, discovered on July 22. Since then 14 further cases had occurred in the Urban District of Braintree and Bocking, making a total of 15 up to that night. Most of the cases had been isolated in the hospital at Braintree, but two had been sent to Halstead. Three cases in addition had been notified in the Braintree Rural District. The cause of the spread of the disease was unfortunately not known. They had the services of two specialists, provided by the County Council, and full use was being made of them. They had also at their command the advice of the Medical Officer to the Ministry of Health. Such knowledge as was available had been freely used, and every possible precaution had been taken.

“In the majority of the cases,” added the doctor, “the illness has not been severe, and all the patients are making satisfactory progress. The outbreak in Braintree is following practically the same course as the Halstead outbreak where the illness is subsiding. If it continues to do so we shall reach the peak in Braintree in the course of the next day or two, and then the outbreak will commence to decline.”

Mr C.J. Baker asked if it was possible to isolate contacts?

Dr Hatton said the great difficulty in this disease was to decide when a person was a carrier. ‘Contacts’ were advised to keep away from other persons, and in every case the house in which the disease had occurred had at once been thoroughly disinfected.

The Rev. Gilderoy Davison said a considerable amount of unnecessary excitement had been caused throughout the country by reports in certain newspapers which had greatly exaggerated the extent of the outbreak. He had heard that a Pressman had chased children from the swings on the Halstead Recreation Ground so that photographs could be taken for the London newspapers showing the alleged desertion of a playground. He understood that, because of the excitement caused by the alarmist Press, many people had abstained from visiting Braintree and district.

Replying to other questions, Dr Hatton said the outbreak might be considered to be a serious one if taken in connection with the cases at Halstead, only seven miles away.

The Chairman (Mr C.B. Saunders): At the same time, you are satisfied that every precaution known to medical science is being taken in regard to the outbreak?

Dr Hatton: Yes.

Mr Tabor asked if it were necessary to keep the swimming bath closed to adults?

Dr Hatton: Yes, because the disease is not confined to children.

Mr Mabbs said the authorities did not know how the disease was spread, but they believed it spread most easily when a number of people crowded together. The Council should make that as widely known as possible, and then the people themselves would take the necessary steps to prevent large assemblies. People were not compelled to congregate, but the position was a tragic one.

The Chairman said their medical officer was doing everything in his power to persuade the people to avoid crowded places, and that was the main thing to impress upon everybody.

The subject then dropped.

NO FRESH CASES AT HALSTEAD

The fact that there were no cases or even suspects reported in the Halstead area during the past day or two was, so the Medical Officer of Health (Dr J.S. Ranson) told the Halstead Rural Council on Friday, a promising sign that the outbreak might be terminating. He said nine of the seventeen Halstead district cases were from the Rural District.

Mr R.E. Vaizey JP, chairman, inquired if they were of mild type.

The Medical Officer: Yes, with the exception of one or two.

CASE NEAR CHELMSFORD

A suspected case at Little Waltham was sent to Chelmsford Hospital, and thence to Halstead for treatment.

There have also been cases in East Suffolk, Worthing, Swansea, Grimsby, etc.

Medical Officers of areas affected by the outbreaks stated on Saturday that the cases discovered did not constitute an epidemic.

12^th August 1938, page 10, column 1

MINISTRY’S STATEMENT

The Ministry of Health, in a statement on Saturday, said:-

Infantile paralysis is not a new phenomenon in this country. During the last ten years the number of cases notified has varied from approximately 450 to 800 a year. This number is spread throughout the whole year, the number of cases averaging about 10 or 12 per week, but one feature of the disease is its increased incidence at the end of July and the beginning of August. This rise is met with every year. The incidence is general and an analysis of 41 cases notified in the week ended July 30 shows that no fewer than 20 occurred in 20 different places, ranging from Northumberland to Cornwall. In no one town did more than four cases occur in that week. Fortunately the majority of cases are mild and recovered completely.

The important preventive measures to be observed are to protect children against undue fatigue and strain, to avoid unnecessary contact and exposure, and to keep slightly ill and feverish children isolated and quiet in bed for some days. Medical assistance should be sought immediately if a child shows any suspicious symptoms.

The Ministry of Health was watching the situation very closely, and at present did not anticipate anything more than the usual seasonable rise in the number of cases.

Last year a total of 766 cases of infantile paralysis were notified to the Ministry of Health. Up to Saturday there have been 206 cases this year. The cases confirmed throughout the country during the past three weeks to Saturday last numbered 61, and there have been five deaths.

12^th August 1938, page 12, column 4

BRAINTREE AND BOCKING

BARTRAM GARDENERS

[…] The children in the Avenue have been greatly disappointed, for they had arranged to have on garden prize day a largely-augmented Bartram Avenue Carnival. They had selected by ballot the Queen and her maids of honour, and a much larger number than last year were joining in the procession. The mothers had undertaken to make their fancy dresses. All these preparations had to be postponed in consequence of the outbreak of infantile paralysis but it is hoped it may be possible to hold the festival at a later date.

19^th August 1938, page 5, column 5

Felsted

Funeral of eric baker

Amid signs of much sympathy Eric Baker, the 11-year-old son of Mr and Mrs Frank Baker, of Chaffix Villas, Felsted, was laid to rest in the churchyard on Saturday. Eric passed away on the previous Wednesday just after he had been placed in an ‘iron lung’ in a vain endeavour to save his life following an attack of infantile paralysis. Due to the precautions, the cortege was followed to the grave only by the father and mother and Mr A. Baker and Mr W. Byford, uncles, but a large number of residents attended the service. The Rev. B.C. Pownall, vicar, returned from Bournemouth to officiate. Many wreaths were placed on the grave. Almost immediately after the service the boy’s sister Gladys was taken to the Halstead Isolation Hospital suffering from the same complaint.

19^th August 1938, page 12, column 3

INFANTILE PARALYSIS

FRESH OUTBREAKS IN BRAINTREE AREA

Seven fresh cases of infantile paralysis occurred in the Braintree district during the weekend. All the patients were removed to the Halstead Isolation Hospital, as the Braintree Isolation Hospital is full with 17 cases.

Dr John Hatton, medical officer for Braintree, told THE ESSEX CHRONICLE on Monday that the disease is steadying in Braintree, but is spreading outside the town.

The new patients are a girl aged 15, her brother aged 18, of Council Houses, Wethersfield; two girls, aged eight; and 13, of Felsted; a boy aged 13, of Convent Lane, Bocking; a boy aged 9, of Hay Lane, Braintree; a girl aged 3, of Plums Lane, Little Saling.

There were no fresh cases in the district on Tuesday but on Wednesday a boy aged 11 of Wethersfield and a girl aged 18, of Bocking, were admitted to the Halstead Isolation Hospital.

Two dormitory maids at Elwyn House, Felsted School, who are suspected of being ‘carriers’ of the disease, are now isolated at the Halstead Isolation Hospital. The girls are cousins; both aged about 15 years. It was at Elwyn House where the four schoolboy sufferers of the disease were in residence. One of the girls is sister of the eleven-year-old boy who died in an ‘iron lung’ last week.

Mrs Peggy Goodwin, aged 26, of South Street, Braintree is still in the ‘iron lung,’ and is reported to be making progress.

SPREAD TO COLCHESTER

On Monday two cases were confirmed in the Colchester area. One, a mild case, is a four-year-old boy, and the other, a young woman, is in a serious condition. These are the first cases in the district.

Four more cases were reported on Tuesday at Colchester, all members of the same family at Aldham. Two of the children have been confirmed as definite cases and the other two are suspected cases. They are all in Colchester Isolation Hospital.

‘IRON LUNG’ BOY SUCCUMBS

The third death in the outbreak in Essex occurred on Tuesday. Thomas Ledgerton, aged 16, of Howe Hall, Finchingfield, who was placed in an ‘iron lung’ at Halstead Isolation Hospital on Sunday evening, died there early on Tuesday. He was an only son, and was admitted to the hospital the previous Thursday. He is the second paralysis victim to succumb at Halstead. Another, also an ‘iron lung’ patient, died at Braintree last week.

60 ESSEX CASES

The total of cases in Essex since the beginning of the outbreak up to and including Wednesday is 60, made up as follows: – Braintree area 36, Halstead area 18, Colchester area (including a young woman patient from the Borough) 6.

“No need for alarm”, says bma

The following statement was communicated by the British Medical Association on Tuesday:-

In view of the many inquiries which have been made concerning the present incidence of cases of infantile paralysis, the British Medical Association thinks it is desirable to state that there is no need for alarm. This disease is by no means new in this country, and it is reassuring to note that the majority of the cases are mild and recover completely. One reason why public attention has been recently focused on these cases is that this disease is most common at the end of July and the beginning of August. During the last ten years the number of cases notified has been varied from approximately 450 to 800 a year but this number is spread throughout the whole year, averaging about ten or twelve a week. The number of cases is only slightly above the average for the time of year.

FLOWER SHOWS CANCELLED

Because of the medical warning against children congregating, flower shows at White Notley, and Silver End have been cancelled, and a children’s outing at Silver End has been postponed.

19^th August 1938, page 12, column 4

GIRL MISSING – Some concern has been felt for Miss Doris Elaine Reynolds, 20, who is missing from her home at Duggers Lane. When the schools and the swimming bath near her home in Duggers Lane were closed to prevent the spread of infantile paralysis, Miss Reynolds quietly packed a bag and went away. Her parents began a search. Her father, Mr T. Reynolds, stated they knew it was because she was afraid she would catch the disease that she had disappeared. “We have searched everywhere in vain.” Miss Reynolds is 5ft. 4½in. in height. She has fair wavy hair, grey eyes, and a dimple in her chin.

26^th August 1938, page 7, column 6

STOCK MILL

TO THE EDITOR: […] People lose their eyesight, teeth, tonsils, and now get infantile paralysis, and think milk and sweets in abundance will alone get them fit. […] Colchester

26^th August 1938, page 9, column 6

LEXDEN & WINSTREE, August 24

The Rev. F.E. Crate, chairman.

INFANTILE PARALYSIS

The report of the Medical Officer, Dr Alderton, stated that four cases of infantile paralysis had occurred in the district – three at Aldham and one at Fordham. All had been admitted to hospital. Two suspects were also admitted to hospital but they had proved free from the disease. There was no cause for alarm, as the disease was likely to abate with the advent of cooler weather. Also the infectivity of the disease was low, and only simple precautions were required to keep it in check. It was no new disease, and it was no more prevalent than in previous years.

26^th August 1938, page 10, column 1

FATAL PARALYSIS CASE

‘IRON LUNG’ WOMAN DIES AT BRAINTREE

After being in an ‘iron lung’ for eighteen days, Mrs H.F. Goodwin, aged 26, of South Street, Braintree, died on Saturday. Her death brings the number of fatal cases of infantile paralysis in Essex since the beginning of the outbreak to four.

She is the second patient to succumb at Braintree, and two have died at Halstead. There has also been one death in Suffolk.

Three more cases of the disease were confirmed in the Braintree area during the weekend. The total reported in Essex is now 62.

The fight for Mrs Goodwin’s life began dramatically. On the day when she was admitted to Braintree Isolation Hospital – August 2^nd – artificial respiration was carried on by ambulance men until the ‘iron lung’ arrived from Southend. Later, from time to time, she was reported to be making some progress – satisfactory in the circumstances – but her condition had remained serious, and her death was not entirely unexpected. Mrs Goodwin was an expectant mother.

For two days no new paralysis cases had occurred in the Braintree area, and it appeared that the spread of the disease had been definitely checked, but on Saturday two further cases were reported. These patients are a young boy named Turner, of Bartram Avenue, Braintree, and a 14-year-old girl, Sybil Radley, of 13 Sunnyfields Road, High Garrett.

On Sunday another new case was confirmed, the patient being Mrs Gertrude Moss, aged 37, of 31 Rifle Hill, Braintree. All three have been sent to Halstead Isolation Hospital.

It is believed that two girls employed at Felsted School, where a number of boys were affected, are ‘carriers’, and both have been isolated.

There have now been 39 cases in the Braintree area since the start of the outbreak.

Two new cases were confirmed at Braintree on Tuesday, the patients being sisters, Joan Pasfield, aged seven, and Margaret, aged two, of Bleak House, Broad Road. They were taken to the Isolation Hospital, and Dr Hatton the local MOH, said both cases were mild.

Mrs Moss, of Braintree, is still seriously ill. Her case was confirmed on Sunday.

It appears that the spread of the disease has been somewhat checked, as the number of cases during the past seven days is much less than that for the previous week.

On Tuesday five further convalescent cases were transferred to the recently opened Dunmow Hospital.

Three more suspected cases have been reported at Colchester, making four in all. The new cases are those of two babies and a young woman. All are mild ‘abortive’ cases, and are in the Colchester Isolation Hospital.

The Medical Officer of Health, Dr W.F. Corfield, says that there is no need for alarm. The outbreak is dying out, owing the cooler weather, and the number of cases is about the same as occur in other years.

BRAINTREE MOH’S REPORT

“EVERY STEP HAS BEEN TAKEN”

That the epidemic of infantile paralysis in the Braintree and Halstead areas was serious and was “probably the greatest aggregation of cases ever known in this country”, was the statement made by Dr Hatton, MOH to the Braintree Rural Council at the Council’s meeting on Wednesday, presided over by the Vice-Chairman, Lt.-Col. W.F. Parsons.

Dr Hatton said that in the Rural District area there had been eight cases – Weathersfield (3), Bardwell, Great Saling, Little Saling, Black Notley, and Finchingfield. July 1^st saw the beginning of the outbreak in Halstead, and since then there had been 18 cases there. On July 15^th, four boys at Felsted School were affected and on July 22^nd, the first case occurred in the Braintree Urban District area, and there had been 22 cases in the urban area since. The first case in the Braintree Rural area occurred on August 8. The cases at Wethersfield and Finchingfield were all definitely connected by actual contacts. Continuing, Dr Hatton said that the cause of the disease was quite unknown, and there was no known method of detecting carriers. Every step had been taken in endeavouring to check the spread. It did appear that a check had been administered as the number of cases reported during the last week was only about half that of the previous week.

In reply to a question by Miss Hope who suggested that the Press had somewhat exaggerated the position, Dr Hatton said, “It is serious. It is not quite the old type. I don’t think there has ever been such an aggregation of cases in this country before.”

Replying to further questions, Dr Hatton said the outbreak began at Halstead quite definitely, and it was thought to have been taken from there to Felsted School where there was a congregation of people on July 1^st – Speech Day. The oldest person affected was a woman of 37. The majority of cases occurred in children between the ages of 3 and 8 years.

Mr H.E. Adshead, asking what exactly was meant by contact, said that some people were so nervous that they were shutting their children up in the garden and not allowing them out.

Dr Hatton in reply, said a contact could be made by being in the same room or by conversation from a distance of anything up to two or three yards. As far as was known the disease was spread by breath.

Dr Hatton spoke of the re-opening of the Dunmow Isolation Hospital for convalescent cases, leaving accommodation at Braintree for acute cases and Halstead for orthopaedic cases.

Asked about the percentage of recoveries, Dr Hatton said about 60 per cent, made a complete recovery. All did not develop paralysis and many of those who did would eventually make complete recovery provided they received proper treatment.

CARNIVAL CANCELLED

On the question of the Hospital Carnival which was reported to be taking place at Coggeshall to-morrow (Saturday), Dr Hatton said he had been in communication with the organisers and they, in a letter dated August 20, said they could not agree to postpone or abandon the Carnival as the arrangements had gone too far. Dr Hatton said that in reply to this letter he again wrote, saying he hoped they would re-consider their decision and postpone the carnival. He added that he felt very strongly that this course should be taken. So far Coggeshall was free, but with the Carnival there would be young people visiting Coggeshall from Braintree and Colchester, two infected areas, as well as from other places, and the results might be serious.

Mr C.P. Brown said that if the organisers had been notified surely they would have sense enough to do as suggested. No stone should be left unturned in an effort to check the spread of the disease, and he fully agreed with the suggestion of the Clerk that a telegram should be immediately dispatched to the organisers, worded as follows, “Council considers highly dangerous to hold Carnival. Hope you will abandon it.” It was also decided to send a telegram to the proprietor of a funfair at Coggeshall which was stated to have arrived in readiness for the carnival, worded as follows: “Council considers congregation of children in fairground highly dangerous, owing to infantile paralysis. Will you abandon your fair? Carnival committee have been requested to abandon carnival.” Both telegrams were dispatched during the meeting.

In reply to further questions, Dr Hatton said that all local cinema managers had agreed to exclude all children of school age from performances.

Following the message from the Rural Council, the organisers of Coggeshall Hospital Carnival decided to cancel the event.

26^th August 1938, page 10 column 3

BRAINTREE AND BOCKING

The late Joan locke – With reference to the death of Joan Doris May Locke, aged 14 years, the only child of Mr and Mrs Fred. Locke, of Panner’s Farm, Queenborough Lane, we are informed that death was due to acute bulbar paralysis, a rare form of infantile paralysis and not to complications following upon an operation in hospital.

YOUNG WIFE’S FUNERAL – On Tuesday the funeral took place at Bocking Cemetery of Mrs Peggy Goodwin, aged 26, of South Street, Braintree. Mrs Goodwin who was an expectant mother, contracted infantile paralysis, and unfortunately died at the Braintree Isolation Hospital, where she had been undergoing treatment in the iron lung. The deceased lady’s husband, mother, and other relatives were mourners at the funeral, and a number of friends attended, there being a very pathetic service. The Very Rev. E. Rogers, OBE, Dean of Bocking, officiated. The funeral arrangements were conducted by Messrs Hurry and Brackett, Bradford Street, Bocking.

26^th August 1938, page 10, column 6

FINCHINGFIELD

SAD DEATH – The Parish Church was filled by a sympathetic congregation for the funeral of Mr Thomas Ledgerton, aged 16 years, only son of Mr and Mrs Percy Ledgerton of Howe Hall Farm, who contracted infantile paralysis and unfortunately died in Halstead Isolation Hospital. Mr Thomas Ledgerton had completed his education at Braintree High School and it had been arranged that he should enter the Agricultural Institute at Chelmsford to complete his farming studies. His death was all the more sad because he was the only male member of the Ledgerton family in his generation and it was intended that he should carry on the farm. The Rev. H. Jordan, vicar of Finchingfield (who kindly returned from his holiday to take the service) officiated, assisted by the Rev. W.E. Smith, vicar of Wethersfield. The hymns, ‘How bright those glorious spirits shine’ and ‘Jesu, Lover of my soul’, were sung. Mr Suckling being at the organ. The mourners were: Mr and Mrs Percy Ledgerton, father and mother: Miss Enid M. Ledgerton, sister: Mr and Mrs Martin Ledgerton, Miss Ledgerton, Mrs Frank Smith, and Miss and Mr L. Brame, uncles and aunts; Mr Dixon Smith (Lyons Hall, Bocking), Mr Frank Smith (Naylinghurst Hall, Rayne), and Mr Alex J. Ledgerton, cousins; Mrs Perkins (Colchester), Mr Harold Richmond and many friends. There were numerous floral tributes.

2 September 1938, page 7. Column 6

COGGESHALL MYSTERY

The old town of Coggeshall missed its annual carnival on Saturday, the popular event being abandoned in response to representations by the medical authorities, as to the possible danger of the spread of infantile paralysis. Coggeshall has no case of the kind, in spite of the fact that it is only six miles from both Braintree and Halstead. And so, although the arrangements were far advanced, the committee agreed three days before the event to allow the merrymaking to lapse for one year. […]

2 September 1938, page 9, column 6

INFANTILE PARALYSIS

“ON THE DECLINE”

There was a further case of infantile paralysis at Braintree on Monday, making the total 44. The Braintree area comprises two Rural and two Urban Districts, with a population of 53,000. The new case is Mrs Gould, aged 28, of Braintree Green. She is the third young married woman to be affected since the outbreak began. On Tuesday she became worse and was placed in the iron lung. The Medical Officer (Dr Hatton) states that the outbreak is definitely on the decline, not so many cases having been reported during the past two weeks.

The death of an eleven-year-old boy from Romford was notified on Aug. 26.

The cases in the Braintree and Dunmow area are all making progress, and the admission of a youth of 20 and a boy of five on Friday were the only fresh cases for several days. They were Ronald Cutts, 20, of Terrace Yard, Rayne Road, Braintree, and Richard Isted, aged 5, of Fairsted Road, Terling.

A case of infantile paralysis at Leyton was reported on August 26. The patient, a five-year-old girl, was removed to hospital.

An official of the health department at Leyton said: “We have traced all the contacts and are satisfied that we have this case under control.”

2 September 1938, page 12, column 2

INFANTILE PARALYSIS

ANOTHER CASE

Yesterday, a fresh case of infantile paralysis was reported, the patient being Mrs Brannon, aged 20, of Ranks Green, Fairstead.

The Medical Officer for Braintree, Dr J. Hatton, said last evening that the recent new cases were disappointing.

Mrs Gould, a young widow with two children, of Braintree Green, who is a patient at Braintree Isolation hospital, suffering from infantile paralysis, was on Tuesday placed in the iron lung in consequence of her condition. Dr Hatton said she was seriously ill, but she appeared to be holding her own. One suspected case for observation was reported at Braintree that day, the patient being Margaret Kett, of Gilder’s Terrace, aged 2½ years.

The total cases in the area since the beginning of the outbreak is now 46. It has been decided that schools should remain closed until September 19^th, when the matter will be reconsidered. The schools concerned are in the Braintree Urban and Rural District, Dunmow Rural District, and Witham Urban District.

9^th September 1938, page 2, column 1

INFANTILE PARALYSIS

“UNDUE ADVERTISING”

At Braintree and Bocking Urban Council on Tuesday – Mr C.B. Saunders JP, presiding – Dr J. Hatton, medical officer of health, stated that at the meeting a month ago he reported 15 cases of infantile paralysis notified in the Braintree Urban District. Since then there had been a further 15 cases. In previous weeks new cases numbered from three to four over a period of the outbreak, but last week there were only two. The figures proved that the outbreak was definitely on the decline. There had been no relaxation of the precautions taken, and he hoped by the next monthly meeting to be able to report that the outbreak had ceased.

Mr C.J. Baker: What progress are the 30 patients making, and how many are now convalescent?

Dr Hatton: None of the patients has been discharged from hospital yet. Quite 30 per cent are making complete recovery; of the remainder, two-thirds will not be severely affected. The thirty patients are from Braintree Urban District.

Mr F.A. Dance said Braintree had been ‘blazoned forth’ in the daily papers and given prominence for cases which were not in the Urban District. This publicity had proved very much to the detriment of Braintree townspeople and the trade of the town. The ‘advertising’ of Braintree in connection with infantile paralysis had been very much overdone. Braintree people were very much disturbed to read in the Sunday papers that there had been four fresh cases in Braintree last weekend, whereas there were only two fresh cases in Braintree all the week, and two other cases arose outside Braintree. It was very satisfactory to know that the disease was now subsiding. Braintree people had been very much alarmed at the way some persons who had been in contact with infantile paralysis patients had been going about the town. The doctors should do something to isolate people, and should point out the danger. It would certainly comfort the townspeople’s minds a great deal if such steps were taken. A gargle should also be recommended as a preventive of the disease. Such a gargle was being used at Halstead, and there had been no fresh case there since August 4.

Dr Hatton said gargling had been recommended as a preventive from the beginning. As regards those who had been in contact with the patients, isolation of such contacts was carried out as far as practicable.

Mr Dance: There is no compulsory isolation?

Dr Hatton: We have no power to compel.

Mr R.C. Mabbs said the Braintree schools were closed but what about Braintree scholars who went to outside schools?

Dr Hatton said he would consider with the medical officers the position of Braintree scholars who attended schools in Chelmsford, Colchester and Bishop’s Stortford.

Mr A.E. Delph (vice-chairman) said that in the East Ward of Braintree there were certain contacts moving very freely, and it was causing a certain amount of public talk. Some step should be taken to bring pressure on contacts to keep themselves isolated for at least a fortnight. There was an opinion that infantile paralysis was contracted through the mouth or nose, and the cheapest way to keep clear was by using a suitable gargle.

Mr B. Bates said some people had complained about the strong smell of Braintree water, and the complaints seemed to have become more prevalent since the trouble arose over infantile paralysis. People were “getting windy about the water.” Some wondered if any disinfectant was put in it.

The Chairman said there had been no chlorination of the Braintree water. Infantile paralysis was not supposed to be conveyed by water. There had been complaints about the smell of the water, and it had been found to be due to new pipes. There was no smell in the water when it left the well, and the water was perfectly pure. It had not done the slightest harm in respect to infantile paralysis.

The Surveyor (Mr H. Cook) stated that three samples of Braintree water had been sent away for analysis, and had been reported absolutely pure.

The Chairman: There has been no chlorination of the water, but the streets of the town had been sprinkled with disinfectant.

Mr F.S. Talbot: Is the infantile paralysis decreasing in the Rural District as in the town?

Dr Hatton: Yes, the decrease is parallel in the Urban and Rural Districts.

The Chairman: The cases of infantile paralysis have been reported in the daily papers as occurring in Braintree, but they do not all belong to Braintree town – they are in the Rural District, many of them, and Dr Hatton is medical officer for both Districts.

Mr A.F. Nicholls: In case the outbreak is over, when will the schools be re-opened?

The Chairman: When the disease is finished the County Medical Officer will consider that.

A question was asked which hospital ambulance was used to convey infantile paralysis patients? – Dr Hatton said only the Joint Hospital ambulance was used for the purpose, and in it patients had been removed from Braintree to Halstead.

The Chairman said the medical officer and the doctors at Braintree were working their hardest to bring what he almost described as the epidemic of infantile paralysis to an end.

Two new cases at Braintree

During the weekend there were four fresh cases of infantile paralysis in the Braintree area, two in the town and two in the Rural District. These bring the total to 51.

The new cases were: Percy Radcliff, (9), of 21 Weekly Avenue, Braintree; James Clift (24), of 8 Chaffix Villas, Felsted; Vina Baldwin (2), of 3 Bartram’s Avenue, Braintree; and Edwin Petchey, (14), of Tanner Farm Cottages, Queenborough Lane.

Another sufferer, James Clift, is so seriously ill that on Sunday he was placed in an ‘iron lung’. Mrs Gould (28) of Braintree Green, already occupied the ‘iron lung’ which was brought from Southend soon after the epidemic commenced. That now occupied by Clift was sent from London some time ago as a stand-by.

A suspected case at Witham has not been confirmed, but the patient was removed to hospital as a precautionary measure.

DEAN’S CALL TO PRAYER

The Dean of Bocking (the Rev. Edgar Rogers), writing in his Parish Magazine on infantile paralysis, states:-

Our holiday time has been clouded over by the outbreak of this baffling disease. First of all we should thank God that the powers that be, the doctors and nurses are doing all they can to combat it, and that we regret that the Press has unwittingly given it over-prominence. Generally, it appears to be as prevalent as in previous years, but, of course, the point is that it is with us and not with somebody else, which makes a world of difference.

While we urge every sane precaution, a real effort for personal fitness, the avoidance of crowds, and as much fresh air as possible, we do deprecate anything like panic. The surest way to be susceptible is to be afraid. Thirty-five cases or so in a population of 15,000 doesn’t increase the chances of mortality very much, and over-weening precaution isn’t going to make life more certain for anyone …

We Christians believe that disease is one of the results of mankind’s sin, and therefore we must simply pray for the mercy of God.

I, therefore, propose that Wednesday, September 7, shall be a special Day of Intercession at St. Mary’s, and I beg all Christian folk to come and pray with me. There will be Mass at seven and eight and then, especially when we offer the Divine Sacrifice for the whole world, I hope many will take part. At twelve and three there will be special services of intercession. Unbelievers will probably scoff, as they did at Calvary, but we can the more show we are certain that the healing of the world, body and soul, is the power of Jesus Christ, and that only fails if we to whom He has trusted it have neither the faith nor the courage to use it.

PRAYERS AT CHURCH.

At Braintree Church on Sunday, Canon Bulman, who conducted the services, offered prayers for the recovery of those affected by the outbreak of infantile paralysis. At Braintree Congregational Church the Rev. R.P. Campbell, BD, referred to the prevalence of infantile paralysis with the hope of a speedy recovery of the patients, and said the complaint need not keep adults from attending places of worship on Sundays, although it was advisable that children should not congregate.

9^th September 1938, page 2, column 2

BRAINTREE A.R.P.

COUNCILLORS AS WARDENS.

At Braintree and Bocking Urban Council meeting on Tuesday – Mr C.B. Saunders JP presiding – Mr R.C. Mabbs presented a report by the Air Raid Precautions Committee, and said unfortunately the scheme which had been arranged could not yet be carried out because of the continued prevalence of infantile paralysis which made it inadvisable to hold classes. […]

9^th September 1938, page 7, column 7

PRICE OF PARALYSIS

Complaint was made at the meeting of the Braintree Urban Council this week of the way in which the name of Braintree has been ‘blazoned forth’ over the outbreak of infantile paralysis. It was stated that the town has suffered from this unsought method of ‘advertising’. Inquiries go to show that during the last two months the trade of all descriptions has depreciated by at least fifty per cent, and this loss has been keenly felt. Not for many years has Braintree market been so poorly attended on successive Wednesdays as since the news of the infantile paralysis has been so extensively broadcast. Braintree, indeed, has been largely avoided, and in some cases where Braintree people have gone abroad they have been similarly treated. It was and should be pointed out that in this matter Braintree has received a good deal of ‘credit’ which does not rightly belong to it, for many of the cases originated in distant villages. In the circumstances it was well that the Medical Officer was able to give figures to substantiate his belief that the outbreak of infantile paralysis is abating. Once the ‘all clear’ signal is hoisted, Braintree will soon resume its former prosperity.

9^th September 1938, page 12, column 1

PARALYSIS DEATH

Mr James Clift, 24, a carpenter of Felsted, who was admitted to Braintree Isolation hospital last week suffering from infantile paralysis and was placed in the iron lung, passed away on Wednesday. He had been in a very serious condition since his admission.

Mrs Gould, of Braintree Green, the other iron lung patient in Braintree Hospital, was last evening stated to be getting on as well as could be expected. The other patients are getting on quite well. Dr Hatton, the Braintree MOH, told The Essex chronicle last evening that no new cases had been reported at Braintree since Sunday, which indicated that the outbreak was subsiding.

PRAYERS AT BOCKING.

On Wednesday morning the Dean of Bocking offered special prayers for the sufferers, and for the cessation of the epidemic. There were celebrations of Mass at Bocking Parish Church in the afternoon and in the evening a special service of intercession was held at Bocking, the dean officiating. The litany was recited, and special prayers were said.

16^th September 1938, page 5, column 6

AMBULANCE PARADE

[…] Dr Hamilton welcomed the Mayor and the new President, and referred to the enforced absence of the Braintree and Bocking branch, whom everyone wished to congratulate on their work in providing artificial respiration for the victims of infantile paralysis who were waiting for the ‘iron lung’. […]

16^th September 1938, page 10, column 1

THE LATE MR JAMES CLIFT. – The funeral of Mr James Clift, who, as we reported last week, passed away while undergoing iron lung treatment for infantile paralysis, took place amid many signs of sympathy at Felsted Churchyard on Saturday. The service, all of which was at the graveside, was conducted by the Rev. B.C. Pownall. There was a large attendance. The chief mourners were: Mr and Mrs F.J. Clift, father and mother; Messrs Arthur, Harold, and Stanley Clift, brothers; Mr and Mrs A. Childs, brother-in-law and sister; Mr and Mrs F. Baker, uncle and aunt; Mrs Mott, Miss G. Mott, Mr and Mrs S. Mott (Braintree), Mr and Mrs T. Baker, Mr B. Baker, Mrs Warner, Miss L. Baker, Mrs F. Barnard, Mrs W. White, Mrs C. Green, Mrs Wren and Mrs Farrow. Among the many floral tributes were those from: Mr J. Saunders and fellow workmen; Felsted Rovers Football Club and his old pals; neighbours of Chaffix Villas; Matron and staff of Braintree Isolation Hospital. The deceased’s fiancée, Miss Irene Mott, of Braintree, was prevented from attending owing to illness following the shock of Mr Clift’s death. Of a quiet and unassuming disposition, ‘Jimmy’ Clift, as he was familiarly known, will be much missed by his many friends. His death came as a shock to all who knew him, and much sympathy is felt with his relatives.

16^th September 1938, page 12, column 4

Infantile paralysis

A case of infantile paralysis was reported on Sept. 9 at Elsenham, which is about 20 miles west of Braintree. The patient is a young man of 23, who resides at Elsenham, and travels daily to London to work. It is the first case reported in this locality, and apparently is an isolated case.

After a week without addition to the 51 cases already reported in the Braintree area, a further case of infantile paralysis was confirmed on Sunday. The new case is Richard Barrett-Lennard, aged 17, son of the Vicar of Cressing. He was taken to the Braintree Isolation Hospital. Cressing is four miles from Braintree.

Mrs Gould, aged 28, who has been in an iron lung at Braintree, is stated to be “showing a little progress.”

There is now every sign that the epidemic is abating.

FELSTED SCHOOL EXONERATED

At Dunmow Rural Council on Tuesday, Mr H.B. Turner JP presiding, the Public Health Committee reported that Dr J. Hatton, MOH, had notified the occurrence of ten cases of infantile paralysis in the Dunmow Rural District. He stated that there were no readily available methods of detecting carriers of the diseases. Two girls at Felsted who were suspected were isolated at Halstead. – Dr Hatton said he received a complaint that the husband of a patient who died “following the disease” had been employed removing bedding, but the man had not been so employed. – Mr Allingham said the Council were grateful for the steps taken by the MOH, and the epidemic was well in hand. – Mr A.L. Lipson said Dunmow was not the centre of the outbreak in Essex.

Dr Hatton said there had not been any further cases in that Rural District since he reported the ten. All the Dunmow cases were making good progress, but there had been two deaths. There were now 20 cases in the Dunmow Hospital, and six cases from Dunmow were at Halstead. – Mr E.C. Hicks JP said there was terrific concern at Felsted about the outbreak, which it was thought originated there, and there was a feeling that all the care was not taken which should have been taken at the beginning. The boys at Felsted School had excellent treatment. They had their sanatorium, and the rest of the boys were put in quarantine. But two maids went home “just as they like”. – Mrs M.L. Griffiths: The maids may have gone home on their own, as girls sometimes will. – Mr J. Lanyon said a mattress was sent from Felsted to be re-made at Braintree and a person developed the disease. It was serious for the disease to have spread to Braintree. – Dr Hatton said the Headmaster of Felsted School gave instructions that the girls were not to visit their homes if there were any children there. The girls went on their own account. The School authorities did everything possible to prevent the disease from spreading. As to the mattress there was no connection between that and a case which arose. As to combating the outbreak, his (the doctor’s) policy had been to try every precaution that was likely to be useful. The method of spreading infection in this disease was not known. There was the possibility of contact by carriers. – Mr Hicks: Do you think there are a lot of people walking about with it now? – Dr Hatton: I sincerely hope not. The peak period of cases was in the week ended July 6 last, since which date the notifications have steadily declined. With the exception of a sporadic case at Cressing during the weekend, there has not been a fresh case for ten days. – The Chairman: The doctor has every confidence in the work that has been done. I am sure that Felsted School has a very capable Headmaster. (Hear. hear.)

THREE CASES OUTSIDE BRAINTREE

On Sunday, Richard Barrett-Lennard, aged 17, son of the Rev. D.F. Barrett-Lennard, Cressing Vicarage, was taken ill with infantile paralysis and removed to Braintree Isolation Hospital. On Wednesday, Edna Smith, 16, of Beazeley End, Weathersfield, and Walter Digby, of Buckwoods Road, Black Notley, were found to have contracted the paralysis. The three patients are getting on well. Mrs Gould, the young widow of Braintree Green, who has been in the iron lung at Braintree Hospital for a fortnight, is showing a little progress.

Last evening Dr Hatton told The Essex Chronicle that the outbreak is dying down.  

23^rd September 1938, page 10, column 5

BOCKING WOMEN’S INSTITUTE. – After a committee meeting at Resting Seat House it was decided that as the district was not yet free from infantile paralysis it would be advisable to cancel the folk dance party and fete on Saturday, September 24, and also the monthly meeting on Thursday, Oct. 6. It is hoped that it may be possible to hold the monthly meeting later in the month.

23^rd September 1938, page 12, column 4

INFANTILE PARALYSIS

There have been three new cases of infantile paralysis notified during the week, one in Braintree and two in villages outside, but the indications are that the outbreak is subsiding. The new cases are Edward Perkins, aged 12, Great Bardfield; Arthur Braxton, aged 15, Shalford; Albert Lane, aged 23, Braintree. The patients are being treated at the Isolation Hospital.

There has been no fresh case since Monday.

Mrs Gould who is in the ‘iron lung’ at the Isolation Hospital, was yesterday reported to be “holding her own quite nicely.”

23^rd September 1938, page 12, column 8

MR A.E. KING LEAVES TERLING – Mr A.E. King, headmaster of Terling School for over 43 years who has just retired, has been presented with […] The presentation was made privately owing to infantile paralysis in the area, and the Medical Officer of Health’s wish that as far as possible all public gatherings should be discontinued for the time being. […]

30^th September 1938, page 3, column 7

INFANTILE PARALYSIS

One further case of infantile paralysis at Felsted was confirmed on September 23. The new case is Robert Clift, aged 18, of Chaffix Villas, Felsted, and he is now in Braintree Isolation Hospital. His brother, James, who was 24, died from the disease when in an ‘iron lung’ at Braintree about three weeks ago.

30^th September 1938, page 6, column 8

SICKNESS DECLINING

The outbreaks of infantile paralysis in the Braintree district seem now to be definitely on the decline. Only two new cases were confirmed this week relating to Robert Clift, aged 18, Chaffix Villas, Felsted, whose brother James, aged 24, died from the disease in an ‘iron lung’ at Braintree three weeks ago; and Peggy Sprawling, aged 13, of 60 Coggeshall Road, Pattiswick, the latter being removed to the Braintree Isolation Hospital on Tuesday. Dr J. Hatton, the Braintree medical officer, stated yesterday that he was waiting to hear from the County Medical Officer with regard to the re-opening of the schools in the district. “The whole position is improving steadily,” he added.

30^th September 1938, page 9, column 2

Braintree measures

“dug-outs all over the town”

[…] Mr Saunders added: “The process of giving instructions to the volunteers who have offered their services was severely hindered by the prevalence of infantile paralysis in Braintree district, but fortunately it is now possible to call the classes together.” […]

30^th September 1938, page 10, column 4

BRAINSTREE AND BOCKING

POUND DAY POSTPONED. – Owing to the local schools being closed, due to infantile paralysis, Pound Day for the William Julien Courtauld Hospital will not be held at present, but the Matron will be grateful for gifts of linen.

30^th September 1938, page 10, column 4

WETHERSFIELD

HARVEST SERVICES at the Parish Church on Sunday were taken by Provost Morrow, of Chelmsford Cathedral, and the Rev, Mr Robinson, of Cornish Hall End. On Tuesday the speaker was the Rev. K.E. Cartwright, of Bardfield. There were no anthems or children’s services owing to infantile paralysis. The fruit and vegetables were given to the sick and needy and to Braintree Hospital.

7^th October 1938, page 2, column 1

ESSEX URBAN COUNCILS

BRAINTREE, Oct. 4.

LAST CASE? – Dr J. Hatton, the medical officer, reported that the last case of infantile paralysis in Braintree was notified on Sept. 19, and there had been none since.

7^th October 1938, page 2, column 3

PARALYSIS DEATHS

Peggy Sprawling, aged 13, of Coggeshall Road, Pattiswick, who was admitted to Braintree Isolation Hospital suffering from infantile paralysis, died on Friday. She was the only new patient notified last week in the district.

The elementary schools at Bradwell and Pattiswick were not re-opened on Monday, but all other schools in the Braintree district re-opened.

Leonard Frederick Martin, nine-year-old son of Mr and Mrs A. Martin of Council Houses, Great Yeldham, who was admitted to Halstead Isolation Hospital on Sunday afternoon, suffering from infantile paralysis died about two hours after admission. He was taken ill only on Friday.

7^th October 1938, page 3, column 5

ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL

INFANTILE PARALYSIS

Ald. A.M. Mathews, chairman of the Public Health Committee, referred to the epidemic of infantile paralysis in the Braintree and Halstead area. He paid high tribute to the work of the County Medical Officer of Health, Dr Bullough, and of Drs Camp, Tucker, and others. There had, he said, been the happiest of relationships between the county authorities and the local authorities concerned. (Hear, hear.)

7^th October 1938, page 10, column 3

SENIOR SCHOOL OPENS. – The new senior school for 600 boys and girls erected by the Essex Education Committee at Panfield Lane, Braintree, was opened for use on Monday. Miss M.E. Tabor, chairman of the Essex Education Committee, addressed the scholars and staff briefly on the object of the new school. It was stated that a formal opening will take place later, this having been postponed in consequence of the outbreak of infantile paralysis. The school takes the place of the Intermediate School, which is now amalgamated with Braintree High School, under one headmaster, Mr A.M. Dell. Mr Freeman, from Benfleet, is the headmaster of the new school.

7^th October 1938, page 12, column 1            

PARALYSIS ABATING

Dr J. Hatton, medical officer for Braintree, informed a representative of THE ESSEX CHRONICLE yesterday afternoon that there had been no fresh case of infantile paralysis reported this week, and it is believed the outbreak is abating. The last case was notified ten days ago, and the patient, a Pattiswick schoolgirl, unfortunately died. The remaining cases in Braintree Isolation Hospital are progressing. Yesterday it was decided to lift the ban on visitors to the William Julien Courtauld Hospital; also to re-open the Braintree branch of the County Library.

7^th October 1938, page 12, column 3

TERLING

The School was opened on Monday for the first time since the end of July, having been closed owing to infantile paralysis.

7^th October 1938, page 12, column 6

PATTISWICK

GIRL’S SAD DEATH – The funeral took place at Pattiswick Church on Tuesday of Peggy Coral Sprawling, aged 13 years. The Rev. G. Wright, rector, officiated. The deceased was a victim of infantile paralysis, and died at the Isolation Hospital, Cressing Road, Braintree. She was a favourite in the village, and looking forward to starting at the new central school in Braintree, and much sympathy is felt for the mother and her only son, the mother having lost her husband five years ago. The mourners attending were the mother and son, grandmother, aunts and uncles and cousins. A large congregation were present, including Mrs Save and Miss Mee (school teachers), Mr Webster, Miss Webster, Miss Eley, Mrs Digby, Mrs Hollingsworth, Mrs Saunders, Mrs Crisel, Mrs Hailstone, Mrs Cousins, Mrs Buck, Mrs Mills, Mrs Lambert, Mrs Sargent, Mrs Ager, Mrs Cresswell, and others. The floral tributes include tokens from Pattiswick Sunday School, and members of the Mothers’ Union. The funeral arrangements were conducted by Messrs Harrington and Fish, Cressing Road, Braintree.

14^th October 1938, page 4, column 7

MORE PARALYSIS

Infantile paralysis has spread to the Lawford district three cases having been notified, and one is in an ‘iron lung’. The school at Lawford and all Sunday Schools in the area have been closed, church and chapel choirs on Sunday were deprived of the services of young people.

Six cases of paralysis in children were notified at Harwich on Monday. Arrangements are being made for all children to gargle at school.

14^th October 1938, page 12, column 1

INFANTILE PARALYSIS

During the week one fresh case of infantile paralysis has been notified in the Braintree district. The patient, aged 12, who came from Much Hadham was removed to Halstead Hospital, and is getting on well.

Dr Elliott (deputising for Dr Hatton, MOH for Braintree District) yesterday informed the essex chronicle that all the patients in Braintree Isolation Hospital are progressing.

21^st October 1938, page 6, column 5

There has been no case of infantile paralysis notified in the Braintree district for ten days, and the outbreak there is regarded as having ceased.

21^st October 1938, page 9, column 3

FELSTED

BRITISH LEGION – Now the isolation period for the recent outbreak of infantile paralysis has expired, the Legion is able to continue social activities. […]

21^st October 1938, page 10, column 1

TERLING

RED TRIANGLE CLUB – […] Mr Strutt said he much regretted that owing to infantile parlays a public presentation of the gifts to Mr King could not be made. […]

28^th October 1938, page 10, column 2

MALDON CARNIVAL PROFITS

[…] On the question of allotting the balance of £896/6/10, Cr. Bunting suggested that they give Chelmsford Hospital, Colchester Hospital and Southend Hospital £150 each, also an ‘iron lung’ for use with infantile paralysis cases to be kept at Chelmsford Hospital and to be lent to Colchester and Southend if wanted, to be called the ‘Maldon Hospital Carnival Lung’. An up-to-date lung could be purchased for £230. The hospitals had said there was a crying need for one, as they had to borrow. They knew at Braintree and Halstead how terrible the disease was. […]

28^th October 1938, page 11, column 7

INFANTILE PARALYSIS

Two fresh cases of infantile paralysis have been reported at Manningtree, and both patients – a policeman belonging to the Mistley sub-division, and a girl aged 11 – are in Colchester Isolation Hospital.

The outbreak in the Halstead and Braintree districts appears to have ended.

28^th October 1938, page 16, column 2

INFANTILE PARALYSIS

Last evening it was reported at Braintree that a fresh case of infantile paralysis had occurred at Bocking Church Street. The patient, a boy aged seven, was removed to the Isolation Hospital. This is the first case in the Braintree Urban District for three weeks.

4^th November 1938, page 12, column 3

TWO MORE CASES

There have been two fresh cases of infantile paralysis in the Braintree district. One is of a 17-year-old Shalford youth, and the other a Bocking young man, aged 18. Both have been removed to Braintree Isolation Hospital, where they are progressing favourably.

18^th November 1938, page 2, column 5

Essex county council

PROPOSED COUNTY LABORATORY

Ald. C.W. Daines always believed that prevention was better than cure. Let them keep the people well. They had never had such a fine chance. They had obtained tenders for the work […] Replying to the discussion, Ald. Mathews said that with the expansion of hospitals it was essential that more and more specimens should be set up. Referring to the recent outbreak of infantile paralysis he said they wanted a man on the spot.

The Committee’s report was adopted.

25^th November 1938, page 13, column 2

INFANTILE PARALYSIS

WOMAN PATIENT’S LONG STAY IN IRON LUNG

A Braintree boy, aged three years, who was a patient at the Isolation Hospital for infantile paralysis unfortunately died this week.

Mrs Florence Gould, aged 28, of Braintree Green, who was placed in the iron lung at the Hospital three months ago suffering from infantile paralysis, was released from the iron lung on Monday after continuous treatment for nearly 90 days and nights. Her general health was greatly improved, although she lost weight. That she came through the long ordeal of artificial breathing by the aid of the electrically-operated iron lung is a great testimony to the medical and nursing staffs at the Hospital. She was never left by day or night during her special treatment, and had been the subject of the most devoted attention. The Medical Superintendent of the Hospital informed a representative of THE ESSEX CHRONICLE that the long stay of Mrs Gould in the iron lung was not a record in that treatment, but it was the longest experienced at Braintree, and Mrs Gould had stood the test very well. There is still some infection of the legs, for which the patient will be removed to Halstead Hospital for treatment, and it will be some time before she can return home. The cost of treating the patients in the outbreak of infantile paralysis will fall on the Hospital Board.

25^th November 1938, page 16, column 6

BRAINTREE

BOY’S SAD DEATH. – The funeral took place at Braintree Cemetery on Wednesday of Peter Robert Whittaker, aged three years, youngest son of Mr J. Whittaker, a fitter at Crittal’s Works. The boy developed infantile paralysis, and was taken to Braintree Isolation Hospital on Nov. 3, but he died, despite every care. The Rev. H.S. Brook, vicar, officiated at the funeral. The mourners were: Mr and Mrs J. Whittaker, the father and mother, and relatives from Panfield. The funeral arrangements were conducted by Mr A.G. Wicks, Coggeshall Road, Braintree.  

2^nd December 1938, page 2, column 7

Another case of infantile paralysis was reported at Harwich on Nov. 25, when the five-year-old daughter of Police-Sergeant and Mrs Firmin was taken to hospital at Colchester. The case was described as being a mild one, and it is three weeks since the last occurred.

2^nd December 1938, page 7, column 7

GREAT LEIGHS

BEREAVEMENT – Mr and Mrs James White, of Willow Cottage, have suffered a sad bereavement by the death of their only child aged ten months, who died on Friday in Braintree Isolation Hospital from infantile paralysis. The funeral took place at Little Leighs Church on Wednesday, the Rector, the Rev. T. Lancaster, officiating. The mourners were: the parents; Miss White, aunt; Mr E. Livermore, uncle; and Mrs Livermore, senior. Also present were Mrs Antrim, Mrs H. Clift, Mrs C. Thorogood, and Mrs G. Mansfield. The two other infantile paralysis patients in the village, Mrs Idon Wells and Daphne Wells, are progressing.

9^th December 1938, page 9, column 3

CHELMSFORD

THE JOINT HOSPITAL BOARD – […] Permission was given to the Clerk, Mr C.J.M. Abbott, to make application for one of the ‘lungs’ for infantile paralysis which are being given by Lord Nuffield.

16^th December 1938, page 6, column 6

ESSEX RURAL COUNCILS

BRAINTREE, Dec. 14

COST OF INFANTILE PARALYSIS – A precept was received from the Braintree Joint Hospital Board for £360 in consequence of the outbreak of infantile paralysis – The Assistant Clerk stated that the Rural Council had not at the moment sufficient money available to pay this precept. It would mean an overdraft at the Bank. Similar precept for £360 would be sent to the Braintree Urban Council, but there would be further expenses to be met in consequence of the outbreak, for which the Hospitals at Halstead and Dunmow were used.

16^th December 1938, page 9, column 4

freedom of the press

letter to the editor. […] Braintree and Halstead bitterly know how some of the National Press exploited the recent outbreak of infantile paralysis. […] Bocking

16^th December 1938, page 14, column 6

COLCHESTER

PARALYSIS – Harwich Road Infants’ School, Colchester, has been closed following four cases of infantile paralysis. One is of a serious nature, and the child has been removed to Halstead Hospital for treatment, while the others are mildly affected, and are being treated at the Colchester Isolation Hospital. The Medical Officer, Dr W.F. Corfield, speaks of the need of an ‘iron lung’ for Colchester. There is, he adds, no cause for alarm at the present outbreak.

23^rd December 1938, page 10, column 4

BRAINTREE AND BOCKING

AMBULANCE INSPECTION – […] After the inspection Col. Hamilton congratulated the three units on their smart turn-out, and said he wished especially to thank the men for the splendid service they rendered to the community during the infantile paralysis outbreak in Braintree. They showed an example to the whole country. […]

23^rd December 1938, page 11, column 8

TERLING

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE – The annual party was held at the Red Triangle Hut […] The number prize given by Lady Rayleigh went to little Shirley Brannon, whose mother is lying ill with infantile paralysis. […]

30^th December 1938, page 8, column 5

COLCHESTER

THE CHRISTMAS. […] Owing to the outbreak of infantile paralysis in the Harwich Road area, the guests were fewer this year, but those who were unable to attend for that and other reasons, such as sickness, were not forgotten, and a band of helpers, including Boy Scouts, visited their homes and presented them with parcels of toys and seasonable fare.

6^th January 1939, page 2, column 4

‘IRON LUNG’ PATIENT DIES FROM HEART ATTACK

The death occurred on December 29 at Braintree Isolation Hospital of Mrs Florence Gould, 28, a widow of Braintree Green, who contracted infantile paralysis during the Braintree epidemic. She was removed to the Isolation hospital and remained in the ‘iron lung’ for 90 days, a record period for Braintree. She was released from the lung a few weeks ago, as reported to THE ESSEX CHRONICLE at the time, and had since received massage treatment at the hospital. Having survived the lung treatment, during which she was never left by day or night, it was hoped that she was on her way to recovery. Arrangements had been made for her removal to the Halstead Isolation Hospital for a continuance of the massage. While Dr Panter, the Medical Superintendent at Braintree, was in her ward in company with a nurse, Mrs Gould had a sudden heart attack, and in spite of every attention this proved fatal.

Mrs Gould was greatly perturbed at being taken from the ‘iron lung’, although at first she expressed her pleasure in being removed to an ordinary bed. Shortly before her death she was excited at the prospect of the ‘iron lung’, which was electrically operated, being taken away from the Hospital, and expressed a fear that she might require it again. Dr Panter assured her that with confidence and perseverance she would be able to maintain natural respiration, and in order to pacify her showed her an iron lung which was being retained at the Hospital in case of emergency. Dr Panter turned to wash his hands, when the nurse recalled him to Mrs Gould’s bed, when it was seen that she had had a seizure, and this proved fatal.

It was known that Mrs Gould was very weak in health after her long tenure in the ‘iron lung’, but such a sad termination was not anticipated. Her death was very unfortunate for the medical and nursing staffs at the Hospital, who had attended Mrs Gould most assiduously night and day during the thirteen weeks she had been in the ‘lung’, in a sustained effort to save her life. She was an expectant mother when she was first placed in the iron lung, and suffered a miscarriage, but in spite of this the doctors and nurses had succeeded in saving her life through a long ordeal, and she was thought to be on a fair way to recovery when she had the fatal collapse. Mrs Gould leaves two young children.

The funeral of Mrs Gould took place at Braintree Cemetery on Saturday, the Very Rev. E. Rogers, OBE, Dean of Bocking, officiating. Among those present were Mrs Gould’s mother and sister from Kelvedon Hatch, Brentwood; her mother, from Chelmsford; Mr Turner, Braintree Green; and friends. The funeral arrangements were conducted by Mr E. W. Partridge, Great Square, Braintree.  

6^th January 1939, page 12, column 4

LOUGHTON

A case of infantile paralysis has been discovered at Malvern Gardens, Loughton, and a child aged five has been taken to the Waltham Isolation Hospital, where his condition is stated to be satisfactory. The hospital has a Nuffield mechanical ‘lung’, but this is not necessary.

The online search for reports in the Chelmsford Chronicle of cases of infantile paralysis reveals just one case in 1939. This was a child living in Loughton, near Chigwell in the south of the county. There were a number of items about the longer term impact of the outbreak on the rates, the local economy and community groups and facilities. Several refer to news about the costs of hospital care during 1938 and how this was being met.

Dr. Hatton’s appointment in Cheshire figured in a report on a meeting of Witham Urban District Council. The chairman of the Public Health Committee said he had been a very good officer of public health. Similarly there was an item covering the annual report of the MOH for Harwich Urban District.

Finally, on 6^th October, there was a long quote from Dr. Bullough’s annual report.