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The mortality from scarlet fever has markedly lessened during the past fifteen or
sixteen years, the decrease being probably, to a large extent, the result of a diminution
in the severity of the cases. Epidemics of scarlet fever vary considerably with
respect to the fatality of the cases.

During the past few years cases of the disease have become less numerous ; as to
how far this reduction may have resulted from the increase in the amount of isolation
of the cases which has been practised during recent years it is impossible at present to
say, although it is highly probable that it has had a great deal to do with it. During
the year 1900 nearly 83 per cent. of the cases certified were removed to hospital for
treatment, as compared with 85 per cent. in 1899, 86 per cent. in 1893, 75 per cent. in
1897, 70 in 1896, 60 in 1895.* 65 in 1891 and 37 in 1893.*
The death-rate from scarlet fever was 0.15 per 1,000 population as compared
with 0.12 in 1899. The rate was highest in Hoxton New Town and lowest in Shoreditch
South. Cases of scarlet fever occurred in Shoreditch at the rate of 2.7 per 1,000
inhabitants, as compared with 2.9 in 1899.
Of the cases, 5.4 per cent. terminated fatally, as compared with 4.1 per cent. in
1899, 4' 7 in 1898, 4.9 in 1897 and 5.4 in 1896. Of 125 children under 5 years of age
who were attacked, 15, or 12 per cent., died, as compared with 9.1 per cent. in 1899, 7'7
During portions of these years, owing to lack of accommodation at the fever hospitals,
many cases were treated at home which would otherwise have been removed to hospital.