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11
336 on the previous year. With respect to the cause of so much
diphtheria, there is a growing feeling amongst sanitarians that it is in
some way caused by defective sanitary conditions. In a very large
number of cases we do find the disease associated with defective
sanitary surroundings, much more so than in scarlatina. But the number
of observations made by me in Hackney has not been sufficient
yet to make any definite statement on this point. The deaths from
diphtheria numbered 190, which equals a death-rate of 0.79 per 1,000.
This is an extremely high rate, but is slightly lower than in 1892.
Enteric or Typhoid Fever.—Three hundred and fifty cases of this
disease were notified during the year. This is an increase of 173 over
those in 1892. The deaths numbered 53, which is equal to a deathrate
of 0.22 per 1,000.
Continued Fever.—By this name seven cases of fever were notified
during the year, and all the patients recovered.
Erysipelas.—Of this disease 478 cases were notified during the
year. Of these, 24 proved fatal. This is equal to a mortality of 0.10
per 1,000 inhabitants of the district. Amongst the institutions of
Hackney, the Infirmary furnished 19 cases of erysipelas.
Puerperal Fever.—Seventeen cases of this disease were notified
during 1893, two only of which proved fatal.
Cholera.— Three cases of this disease were notified, but on
investigation they were proved to be cases of English cholera or
summer diarrhœa.