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9
Scarlet Fever.—This disease, which during 1892 and 1893
had assumed an epidemic form throughout the Metropolis,
showed considerable signs of abatement during last year, when
964 deaths were registered due to it, against 1596 for the
preceding year.
In our own district nine deaths were certified, as against 26
for the previous year.
The cases of sickness from the same cause numbered 124
against 341 for the year 1893.
Diphtheria caused 15 deaths to Parishioners. The returns
of the Registrar General show that although the number of
deaths ascribed to Diphtheria in London amounted to 2,473
during the year, the fatality was much less than in the preceding
year, when the number reached was 3,265, this being also the
greatest number ever recorded under this heading.
On reference to table I. it will be seen that the number of
cases of sickness from Diphtheria was 59, and Membranous
Croup, eight. I have taken these diseases together, as they are
regarded by many observers as identical, the term Diphtheria
being however more frequently employed.
The incidence of Diphtheria in London is such an important
subject that no one will be surprised at it having occupied
considerable attention of the great central Boards of the
Metropolis.
A "Preliminary Memorandum upon the increase of Diphtheria
in London," prepared by the Medical Officer of Health of the
London County Council, was forwarded to the several Sanitary
Authorities in October last. In this document a large amount
of evidence is adduced in support of the view that the spread of
the disease is largely due to school influence, and that there has
been a great increase in the mortality from it in children between
three and ten years of age since the Education Act came into
operation in 1870, and the co-operation of Metropolitan Medical
Officers of Health is solicited to supply the London County
Council with any definite knowledge on the subject.
The School Board for London have lately passed a resolution
requesting their Medical Officer to report generally on the
prevalence of Diphtheria in London, and its alleged connection
with Elementary Schools. This latter gentleman also has asked
the Medical Officers of Health to supply him with any direct
evidence bearing upon the suggestion. It has been the practice
in your Public Health Department for many years past to