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also the rule in cases of diphtheria and puerperal fever), the Medical
Officer personally visits the houses where the disease occurs. The
causes to which it is attributed vary considerably—several of the cases
were imported, 2 said to be caused by eating oysters, 1 from
drinking bad water, and others from smells from gullies and drains.
In three cases at least the diagnosis proved to be wrong, the patients
respectively suffering from tubercular meningitis, abdominal influenza
and appendicitis.
Erysipelas.— 51 cases have been reported comparing with 89 for
1897 and 1896, and 45 for 1895. The notification of this disease is,
in my opinion, of very doubtful use.
Membranous Croup.— One case only has been reported—this
occurred in the Hornsey Ward.
Isolation Hospital.— 164 cases have been treated during the
year, comparing with 202 for 1897, and with 298 for 1896. Of these
7 died, 138 left the Hospital well and 4 were discharged as ineligible,
leaving on the 31st of December 20 still under treatment. Six deaths
occurred from diphtheria and 1 from tubercular meningitis.
Of the patients in the Hospital on the 1st of January, 18 were
cases of scarlet fever, 4 of diphtheria, and at the termination of the
year the 20 cases still under treatment consisted of 18 cases of scarlet
fever and 2 of diphtheria.