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The mortality recorded in Battersea during the year from
diseases of the Tubercular Class numbered three hundred and
fifty-two; of these two hundred and ninety-nine were due to
Phthisis or Consumption, and fifty-three to Tubercular Diseases
of Bowels, Brain, &c. Of the number in question, however,
forty-six were " non-residents," and this number must therefore
be deducted, and the deaths of "residents" occurring outside
the district, forty-three in number, included, representing a
corrected total of three hundred and forty-nine. These figures
compare very favourably with those of 1899 and preceding
years, the corrected total for the year 1899 being three hundred
and seventy-one.
Statistics shew an enormous reduction compared with halfa-century
ago. For instance, the Tubercular Mortality for England
and Wales during the five years 1851-60 is shewn as being
equal to 2679 per million per annum, whereas in the five years
1890-95 this has been reduced to 1463. Although the mortality
from the disease has unquestionably been reduced there is some
doubt but that the statistical effect is partly produced by
improved diagnosis, cases of Pneumonia, &c. being formerly
frequently certified as " Galloping Consumption," and thus
classified with the tubercular deaths.
Zymotic Sickness and Mortality.
Zymotic Sickness and Mortality being more or less controllable
by the observance of hygienic laws, this subject most
readily appeals to those having the administration of sanitary
districts.
Compulsory notification is the only effective method of
dealing with this class of disease, affording, as it does, the
means of tracing the cause and ascertaining those areas which
are principally affected, and also of enforcing isolation and
disinfection.