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11
There was no death from this disease during the year, which is most
satisfactory. In 1894 there were 7 deaths. In London there were 596
deaths, and in 1894, 610 deaths attributed to this disease.
It has recently been proved by English and French observers, that the
urine of patients suffering from typhoid fever nearly always contains the
typhoid bacillus (Eberth's bacillus). It is therefore most important that the
urine from such patients, as well as the stools, and all articles contaminated
by either or both, should be thoroughly disinfected.
From the successful results obtained by M. Chantemesse, of Paris, by the
use of anti-typhoid serum, it is probable that this treatment will soon also be
introduced into England.
MEASLES.
This disease is not usually notified, and it is not so in this district.
During the last six months there were 30 deaths, and during the whole year
45 deaths from this disease.
In London there were 2632 deaths from measles, and in 1894, 3292
deaths, so that there is an enormous number of cases of measles every year
in London.
Moreover, there are many more deaths from measles than are represented
by the above figures ; for I have found, on investigating the history of many
children that have been registered as having died of bronchitis, pneumonia,
or pleuro pneumonia, had, not long before death, been suffering with measles;
and often other children in the same house were either ill, or had recently
recovered from measles. In many cases a doctor is not in attendance until
the child is seriously ill with a serious complication of measles like those
mentioned above: the rash, by this time, has probably disappeared, and the
mother considers that the child has recovered from measles, and when the
child dies the cause of death is certified as due to the complication without
any mention of the primary cause.
It is not surprising that there are so many cases as it is a very infectious
disease, and, as a rule, not the least attempt is made to prevent its spread,
healthy children generally being allowed to be in the same room with the sick
and even in the same bed.
Hospitals for those cases that cannot be isolated at home, and for those
that cannot receive proper nursing and treatment at home, which is usually
the case in crowded one and two-room tenements, are very much required,
and would be the means of very much reducing the death rate of this disease.
Notification by the head of the family, in the absence of any medical
attendant, should be made compulsory.
Last July I reported on this subject as follows:—