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14
The case mortality of Chelsea scarlet fever cases—5.6 per cent.—is
higher than for many previous years. The case mortality of Chelsea
diphtheria cases—8.2 per cent.—is also higher than in 1903, when the
very low rate of 4.0 per cent, was recorded. The reduction in fatality
of London diphtheria cases from 23.6 per cent. in 1894 to 10.1 per cent.
in 1904 is largely the result of the almost universal treatment of these
cases with diphtheria antitoxine.
Prevalence of Scarlet Fever, Diphtheria, and Enteric Fever, in
West London Boroughs.
The following Table is based upon the notified cases of scarlet
fever, diphtheria and membranous croup, and enteric fever, respectively,
in each of the six boroughs, constituting West London, the rates being
calculated upon the estimated population of each district.

As usual the prevalence of all these diseases was less in the six
boroughs constituting West London than in the Metropolis as a whole.
Chelsea had the lowest scarlet fever and enteric fever rates, and its
diphtheria rate was with that of Westminster, also lower than the 4
other boroughs. Chelsea, during the past year, took the premier
position amongst the West London boroughs for freedom from
infectious diseases of the compulsory notifiable order. Fulham again,
as for many years past, had the highest diphtheria case-rate in 1904.
Removals to Hospitals.—Table XIII. exhibits the removals of
patients suffering from scarlet fever, diphtheria, and enteric fever, from
the M.A.B. and other hospitals, in each of the 15 years, 1890.1904,
expressed as percentages of the total number of cases of each disease
notified.