View report page

72
There was in effect a decrease following the commencement
of the holidays, and an increase after
the re-opening of the schools, exactly similar to
those noted in the case of scarlet fever.
One conclusion indicated by these figures is the
need of a very generous allowance of fresh air in
schools, not merely by ventilation, but also by ample
floor space per scholar, the latter not being so much
insisted on as thought to be.
It has been observed by several that a rainfall of
a certain severity, not exactly determined, is followed
by an increase in the number of notifications of
diphtheria. This point has yet to be elucidated, and
in all probability such connection indicates one way
in which schools may be responsible for some of the
diphtheria.
Whooping Cough.—The deaths from this disease
numbered 44 last year, equal to a rate of 0*36 per
1,000, compared with one of 0-45 for the previous
nine years. The corrected decennial average number
for the whole Parish was 54-8. The mortality
from this cause was in London 0'48 in 1894, and
(mean rate) 0*64 for 1885-93. In England and
Wales, the rate for last year was 0-39, 0*04 below
the mean for the previous decennium.
Of the 44 deaths in the Parish, 40 took place in
the St. Mary's Sub-District, and 4 in that of St.
John. The deaths in each quarter of the year were
as follows:—