In the spring of 1925, Washington, D.C., found itself in the grip of a growing smallpox outbreak. Health officials were scrambling to contain the disease as new cases and deaths continued to appear across the city.
Vaccination clinics operated at a rapid pace, public health workers sought additional help, and government leaders looked for ways to protect thousands of federal and municipal employees.
The response was swift. Police officers, firefighters, and government workers rolled up their sleeves as doctors worked at record speed to administer vaccinations.
While officials stopped short of making inoculation mandatory, they strongly urged residents and public employees alike to take part in the campaign.
D.C. Employees Urged to Be Vaccinated
Employees of the District government will be vaccinated.
Daniel E. Garges, secretary to the Commissioners, in a memorandum to departmental heads, today called for estimates of the number of employees who wished to be inoculated against the spread of smallpox.
Not Compulsory
It will not be compulsory, but the request of Health Officer Fowler for vaccination of all employees was included.
Another call for assistance was made by Dr. Fowler today. He needs several inspectors and general helpers around the vaccination clinic and hospital.
Two suspects are being investigated by the Health Department today.
Two More Deaths
Two more deaths from smallpox were reported to the Health Department today.
The victims were Mrs. Ida Murray, 29, and Vincent Cowsill, 40, who was stricken with the disease at Providence Hospital several days ago.
This brings the death total in the outbreak to 19 since Jan. 1.
Quick Work
A new speed record for vaccination was probably rung up yesterday when 280 police and firemen were inoculated in two hours and 20 minutes by five doctors and a trained nurse at Truck Co. No. 1.
It was an average of 2-1/2 minutes per vaccination. The doctors were James J. Kilroy, Daniel L. Borden, W.H.R. Brandenburg, Christopher J. Murphy and F.Y. Williamston, assisted by Miss Rose Heffron, nurse.
Vaccination of employees at the Veterans’ Bureau ended late yesterday. More than 2,400 were vaccinated at the dispensary there, while many others were vaccinated by private physicians.
Source: The Washington Daily News. Washington, D.C. April 29, 1925.
