View report page

23
infants was excessive in 1887; the mortality in 1888 was much below the average :
but the diminished mortality in 1888 had no relation to the excessive mortality in
1887. The conditions were altogether different: the summer of 1888 was cold and
wet, and, as always happens in these circumstances, the mortality from infantile
diarrhoea was low—just as it is always high when the summer is hot and dry, as in
1887. Again, the significance of a high rate of prevalence of Enteric Fever
varies widely in different circumstances. This disease may be constantly present in
one district, as a result of drainage defects or of a polluted water supply; whilst in
another district its introduction may be wholly accidental, as when it is due to
casual pollution of water, or to a specifically contaminated milk supply introduced
from without. These and like circumstances must be kept in view, if we would
draw sound conclusions from a high or a low rate 01 prevalence of zymotic diseases,
particularly in relation to the sanitary condition of a district. Subject to
corrections for local circumstances, for climatic influences, and for high rates in
previous years, the concurrence of a low zymotic death-rate with a low general
death-rate, furnishes just ground for satisfaction. For some years past the general
rate and the zymotic-rate had both been below the decennial average in Kensington.
In 1893 general rate was (as in London also) slightly above the average; the
zymotic rate was average. It need hardly be said that a persistently high rate of
mortality from zymotic diseases furnishes matter for serious consideration.
Kensington has hitherto been fortunate in having a death-rate from these diseases
much below that of the Metropolis generally.