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modified. Is it not possible that neither our small-pox nor our
vaccine are what they were in Jenner's day? Undoubtedly, improved
hygienic conditions in daily life and in the sick room do a very great
deal, particularly when, let us hope, our enemy is weakened.
It is, of course, not practicable to discuss the possible effects of
vaccination under the new Act, but it is to be hoped that all will do
their best to make its operation a success.
As before stated, the blot on the health record of Bow for 1898 is
the great number of deaths from measles, a disease which
MEASLES
is non-notifiable. There were 38 deaths—all but one
occurring in the first nine months of the year. It will be seen these
deaths were more than treble those of the previous year, and nearly
half the number for 1896.
The death rate from this disease was o 9 per 1000, against 0.02 in
1897, 1.4 in 1896, 0.59 in 1895, and 1.3 in 1894.
I repeat with emphasis what I said in last year's report:—
"This disease is not notifiable, and it is therefore impossible to
say to what extent it was prevalent, except as indicated by the
number of deaths.
"In former reports I have frequently alluded to the reckless treatment
of this disease by parents and others having the care of children
as being primarily responsible for its fatal character and infectiveness.
In emphatically expressing the opinion that this disease should be
notifiable, I believe that most medical officers of health share that
view. The metropolitan branch of the Incorporated Society of
Medical Officers of Health have passed a resolution to this effect,
and possibly sooner or later some reform in the desired direction
will be inaugurated. The occasional fall of the figures, as during
this year, cannot be regarded as a permanent improvement, and at