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95
In London the excess of deaths, at times, from diseases
of the lungs and respiratory organs, may fairly be attributed
to influenza.
Further reports have been presented to Parliament on
Epidemic Influenza, Dr. Parsons dealing with the statistical
and general aspect of the disease, whilst Dr. Klein has
supervised the clinical and bacteriological features.
The following are some extracts of the digest of the
statistical evidence of Dr. Parsons' report, by Dr. Thorne
Thorne, C.B., the principal Medical Officer of the Local
Government Board:—
"A study of the report shows distinctly that these epidemics
followed different courses, and that their incidence on
locality varied considerably so far as the Metropolis is concerned.
The influenza death-rates in the three calendar
years 1890, 1891, and 1892, were 146, 544, and 531 per
1,000,000 living, respectively. But the onset of the last
two epidemics was much less sudden than was the case in
the winter of 1889-90, and it is probable that there were
fewer attacks in the more recent prevalences than in the
first one, yet the latter epidemics were both more protracted
and more fatal. Whilst, however, this was the case in
London, almost the opposite took place elsewhere. No
condition of site, soil, climate, sanitary circumstances, occupation,
or other have yet been elicited which afford
any satisfactory explanation of these differing incidences.
It is noteworthy that the rate of death due to influenza
was substantially greater in rural and sparsely populated
areas than in large towns. The death-rate from influenza
increases with advancing age. To Dr. Parsons it seems clear
'that the disease is transported by human agency, and
spreads from person to person mainly or solely."