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69
Measles. This disease used to be looked upon as one of the
most simple of the Zymotic class, but of late years the complications
(principally of the Respiratory Organs) arising therefrom
have been so numerous as to suggest that it is more fatal than
Scarlet Fever. In London, Measles appear to have been more
fatal during 1896 than in any previous year on record, with the
single exception of 1864.
There were 57 deaths from Measles and its complications in
1896, against 25 last year. 1893—27. 1894—38. 1895—25.
1896—57.
In the opinion of many Medical Officers of Health, Measles
should be reported under the Public Health (London) Act, 1891,
in the place of Erysipelas. At the present time, enquiry is being
made by the Medical Officer to the London County Council as
to the desirability of notification.
Diphtheria and Membranous Croup. Diphtheria cases
have increased from 215 to 400, but the deaths from that disease
are much smaller in proportion, being 59 against 41; the decrease
being due (to the best of my belief) to its earlier recognition and
subsequent treatment by means of injecting with anti-toxin.
The following extract and table is taken from the RegistrarGeneral's
Annual Summary for 1896:—
"Diphtheria was the assigned cause of 2,683 deaths in the
course of the year 1896. These deaths were equal to a rate of
0.60 per 1,000, against rates of 0.76, 0.62, and 0.54 per 1,000 in
the three previous years.
"The London Death Rate from Diphtheria in 1896