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It will be noticed by reference to Table D in the appendix, that the
deaths from Measles considerably exceed those from Diphtheria and Scarlet
Fever combined, and, consequently, the question of adding Measles to the
list of diseases which are compulsorily notified, has been much discussed.
I dealt with this question in the report for 1894, and then expressed the
opinion that, at any rate, a modified system of notification of Measles should
be tried, by which the first attack in every house invaded shall be notified,
but no subsequent case arising in the same house within 30 days, and the
report of Dr. Thomson on the " Control of Measles," recently issued in
the Report of the Medical Officer to the Local Government Board, which
is too lengthy to be dealt with here, confirms me in that view.
I would also again draw attention to the necessity of providing hospital
accommodation for the children of the poor when suffering from Measles ■
not so much on the ground of the necessity for isolation, but for the sake of
the welfare of the patients, as a large proportion of those who succumb to
the disease would be saved, if they could be removed from the unfavourable
conditions by which they are surrounded, and treated in a rational manner.
The wide differences noted in the fatality of epidemics of Measles depend
mainly on the conditions, unfavourable or the reverse, of the populations
invaded. lam convinced that hospital accommodation for the treatment of
Measles would have a marked effect in lessening the great mortality from
the disease.
WHOOPING COUGH.
68 deaths were attributed to this disease, all being of children under
5 years, the average number for the preceding 10 years, allowing for the
increase of population, being 63. The disease was most prevalent in the
centre of the parish, 42 of the deaths occurring in Lillie and Munster Wards.
The death-rates from this disease were Fulham 0.59, London 0.65
Kensington 0.57, Hammersmith 0-58, Chelsea 0.64.
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