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26
In Sydenham—
24th Feb, Hooping cough, West Kent Park,
23rd ,, Scarlatina, South Hill.
8th Mar. Urlecaria febrilis, Raglan Street.
In Penge—
Scarlatina, North Surrey School.
In Union Workhouse—
19th Mar. Diarrhoea, Union Workhouse.
Three deaths from diptheria are registered as having occurred at Southend; these
were mentioned in my last report, since which I have examined some water obtained
from the Ravensbourne at this locality, and which many of the inhabitants use for
domestic purposes; I find that it is largely contaminated with vegetable and animal
organic matter, and after standing for a few days becomes decomposed and very offensive.
I consider this a dangerous supply for domestic purposes, and to have been a
cause of the disease which has afflicted so many of the inhabitants of that district. It
is important that water should be obtained from a less contaminated source, for which
purpose wells might be sunk in the district, and no doubt a good supply obtained.
Scarlatina has affected several of the children in the North Surrey School.
Two cases of hooping cough are also under treatment there.
The children affected with these diseases have been isolated, so as, as far as possible,
to prevent the spread of the disorder.
Notwithstanding that a few cases of scarlatina have occurred, I think that the district
as a whole is very healthy, and contrasts very favourably with the neigbourhoods round
London.
In a neighbouring parish, fever is prevalent and very fatal.
I have received a communication from the Committee of the Forest Hill Schools,
relative to the state of Chaplin Street (immediately opposite the school-house), a subject
which I alluded to in my last report. This road, as well as that at the back of the
Forester Inn, are in such a state of filth and decomposition from refuse vegetable
matter thrown upon the surface, that they are dangerous to the health of the neighbouring
inhabitants.
The boundary ditch between the footpath and the North Surrey Schools has been
and is most offensive from the sewage poured into it from two or three houses above,
and the evil is increasing in intensity. About 100 yards of drain pipe from these houses
into the drain at Ancrly park, would relieve this nuisance.
This is particularly desirable at a time when an epidemic is affecting some of the
children of the adjacent school. The Board of Management of the School have particularly
requested me to urge this upon your attention.
The inhabitants of Raglan Street (Sydenham), are suffering from the open ditch at
one end, and the undrained land with sewage on its surface; the Poor Law Medical
Officer represents the place as particularly unhealthy.
The roads in Hanover Street and Silver Street, Lewisham, arc very filthy, and require
attention.
Meteorological tables and tables of mortality are appended.