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15
The relation between diarrhœa and hand feeding is clearly
shewn by Table B. Whereas 60 per cent, of all the infants
investigated who survived were entirely breast fed until six months
old, only 14 per cent, of those dying from diarrhoea were naturally
fed. The reasons for the preponderance of diarrhœal diseases in
hand fed infants has already been discussed in several previous
reports.
DEATH CERTIFICATION.
All deaths in the Borough were certified by the Medical
Attendant or by the Coroner.
INQUESTS
were held in 163 instances, or 8 6 per cent, of the total deaths.
THE ASSIGNED CAUSES OF DEATH
are fully set out in Tables IV., V. and VI., but certain of them
require special comment.
SMALLPOX.
Smallpox has been absent from the Borough since April, 1906.
CROYDON AND WIMBLEDON JOINT SMALLPOX HOSPITAL.
The Smallpox Hospital District comprises the County Borough
of Croydon, the Borough of Wimbledon, the Urban Districts of
Penge and of Merton, and the Croydon Rural District. The
Hospital has not been used for smallpox since August, 1906.
During the year 1909 an infant was admitted which had been
notified as suffering from smallpox. The disease was subsequently
found to be chickenpox, and the child was sent home in a day
or so.
VACCINATION.
During the year ending December 31st, 1909, the number of
primary vaccinations in Croydon and Penge amounted to 2,694, as
compared with 4,315 registered births.