View report page

in which influenza was widely epidemic in London. Of the 53 deaths,
10 belonged to Kensal Town. Thirty-four deaths out of the total
53 occurred in the first quarter of the year. In London generally
there was no very widespread epidemic until towards the latter end
of December, 342 deaths in this month being attributed to influenza
as a primary cause of death. The total number recorded for the year
is 1818, 857 of which oocurred in the first quarter. In 1898, in
London, 1,283 deaths were ascribed to influenza, but there was no
widespread epidemic.
Respiratory Diseases.—The death-rate from these diseases in
Chelsea was 4'23 per 1,000, which is considerably higher than the
rate of 1898—338 per 1,000. The two last weeks of December were
made memorable by a largely increased mortality from these diseases,
due to the prevalence of influenza, and of very unfavourable atmospheric
conditions.
Tubercular Diseases. —The death-rate from phthisis and other
tubercular diseases in Chelsea in 1899 was 2 - 47 per 1,000, as against
2*52 in London generally. The Kensal Town rate was 2'51per
1,000, that of the home district1. being 2'45. The average death-rate
from these diseases in Chelsea during the fifteen years, 1884-98, is
2'86per 1,000.
Cancer.—Malignant cancerous diseases caused 96 deaths amongst
Chelsea parishioners, of which number 15 belonged to Kensal Town.
The annual average of the 15 years, 1884-98, is 79 deaths. The cancer
death-rates are shown in Table 111.
Deaths in Public Institutions.—ln 1899 29'6per cent, of the total
deaths of parishioners of Chelsea occurred in public institutions, the
average for the eight years, 1891-8, being 31'2 per cent. Of the home
district residents, 31.2 per cent, of the deaths occurred in public
institutions, and of Kensal Town residents, 23'5per cent. In London
generally, 29'9 per cent, of the total deaths occurred in public
institutions.
In 1899, 16'4 per cent, of the total deaths of parishioners occurred
in the Chelsea Workhouse and Infirmary, the average of the eight
years, 1891-8, being 14'8 per cent. Of the home district residents,
17'2per cent, of the deaths occurred in the Workhouse and Infirmary,
and of Kensal Town residents, 13'4 per cent.
Of the 283 deaths over 25 years of age in the Infirmary, 7 were
stated to have been accelerated by chronic alcoholism, and 3 were
due to cirrhosis of the liver, presumably the effects of long continued
alcoholic excess.
7