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cause of death; another was that of a labouring man aged 61 the
rest were young children.
In the week ending July 23rd, with an increase of temperature of
an average of 8º, the deaths from Diarrhœa rose to the somewhat
alarming number of 415. On Monday in this week the thermometer
reached 93 3 in the shade, and in the sun 115º, we had again 9
deaths from Diarrhœa, all in young children, with the exception of
one case, a managed 61 years, a chronic not an acute epidemic case,
the illness having lasted some weeks.
The last week in July the deaths with us from Diarrhœa were 8;
7 of these occurred in young children, and 1 in a man of 58 years.
Our general mortality reached as high as 37, the corrected average
being 33.
In the first week of August, taking the entire metropolis, the deaths
from Diarrhœa declined to 312, but there were 24 from Cholera and
Choleraic Diarrhœa. We had 4 fatal cases of Diarrhœa in young
children, although our total mortality was but 19, the corrected
average being 37, 5º, we had no fatal case of Cholera.
The condition of the Thames, a question to us of vital interest
during the last three weeks has shown a marked improvement.
This desirable change has, I hare no doubt, exercised a beneficial
effect on the health of the community in our district. I have watched
with considerable interest the effect produced upon the waters of the
river by the deodorising process, instituted by the Metropolitan
Board of Works, and I am convinced that very great advantages have
accrued to the Metropolis from the perseverance and energy with
which they have been carried out.
There is, I regret to state, still existing with us, a very offensive
open sewer by Bermondsey Wall. The tide conies up only at rare
intervals, There are open privies over its course, and also very primitive
contrivances, by which a numerous labouring class in this
district relieve themselves. I consider it very desirable for the
preservation of health and public decency, that this open sewer should
be covered without delay.
I am, Gentleman,
Your faithful Servant,
JOHN CHALLICE, M.D.,
Officer of Health.
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