Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Report on the public health of 1902
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cups containing disinfectant solution, that dry dusting is dangerous
and must give place to damp dusting, and that periodically the
room and belongings of the patient should be thoroughly cleansed
with water or disinfectant solution, and that milk should be
boiled, and every available means taken to prevent tuberculous
milk being sold. Thus many advantages are gained both to the
patient and to the community. With a few exceptions disinfection
has been carried out. In all cases the notification and information
obtained is strictly confidential and names and addresses are
not published in any way whatever. Unquestionably it would be
advantageous if sanatorium treatment was available for a number
of the cases. Further facts respecting cases notified will be found
below.
Deaths from Phthisis.—The total deaths due to consumption
in 1902 were 249, giving a death rate of 2.45 per 1,000.
The rate for 1901 was 2.22, and for 1900 was 2.51.
The age and sex incidence was as follows:
Deaths | 0— | 10— | 20— | 30— | 40— | 50— | 60—70 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Males | 4 | 19 | 43 | 30 | 26 | 12 | l6l | |
Females | 11 | 11 | 9 | 29 | 18 | 7 | 3 | 88 |
Total | 38 | 15 | 28 | 72 | 48 | 33 | 15 | 249 |
In the first quarter of the year there were 63 deaths; in the
second, 55; in the third, 49; and in the fourth quarter, 82.
The greater prevalence among males is probably due to their
greater degree of exposure to unfavourable conditions.
Dr. McLearn, the Medical Superintendent of Holborn Infirmary,
writes to me under date January 7th, 1903 :—
"During the year 1902, the total deaths from Phthisis
"occurring in the Holborn Union Workhouse Infirmary were
"120, and of these deaths, 88 were of patients coming from the
" Borough of Finsbury. The number of Phthisis cases now