London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
West Ham 1931
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for West Ham]
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Causes of Death in Age Periods 1—5 years.
| Cause | 1-2 years | 2-5 years |
|---|---|---|
| Measles | 0 | 1 |
| Whooping cough | 10 | 8 |
| Diphtheria | 0 | 7 |
| Influenza | 1 | 1 |
| Cerebro spinal meningitis | 1 | 1 |
| Pulmonary Tuberculosis | 0 | 1 |
| Other forms of Tubercu losis | 4 | 6 |
| Pneumonia (all forms) | 32 | 11 |
| Bronchitis | 2 | 1 |
| Other respiratory diseases | 1 | 0 |
| Diarrhoea, etc. | 8 | 0 |
| Deaths from violence | 2 | 8 |
| Other defined diseases | 9 | 10 |
| Total | 70 | 55 |
The infantile mortality rate compares favourably with that
of the Great Towns, particularly when one takes into consideration
the very poor home conditions and low standard of living; in
parts of the Borough. Prematurity and congenital debility cause
40% of the infantile deaths—investigation and further research
into antenantal conditions is required to reduce this rate, many
deaths from prematurity occurring within a few hours after birth.
Economic social conditions must be considered in addition to or
even more than questions pertaining solely to the health of the
expectant mother if the number of infant deaths from prematurity
is to be further materially reduced.
171