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44
knowledge of the Medical Officer of Health. Although
Measles is not a notifiable disease, a considerable number of
cases are reported to the Medical Officer by the head teachers
of elementary schools. Every case reported is now visited by
one of the lady inspectors, who endeavours to secure such
measures of isolation as are possible. A leaflet which sets out
the main provisions of the law relating to the exposure of
infected persons, etc., is handed to the person responsible for
the care of the patient.
Whooping Cough.
Whooping Cough caused 61 deaths during the year, or
19 less than the decennial average. The deaths were equivalent
to a death-rate of 33 per 1,000, or '35 lower than the mean
death-rate for the preceding ten years, which was .68. The
death-rate in the County of London was '32.
The death-rate in the sub-districts was as follows:—
East Battersea, 41; North-West Battersea, '52; South-West
Battersea,.07.
Thirty deaths were of infants under one year, and 30 of
children from one to five. The deaths in each quarter of the
year were as follows:—
First quarter 40
Second ,, 13
Third ,, 7
Fourth ,, 1
Whooping Cough in 1904 caused more deaths than any
of the notifiable diseases, but its fatality was rather less than
in the previous year. Like measles, Whooping Cough is fatal
chiefly from pulmonary complications, which could in a large
measure be guarded against by proper care and attention.
Like measles also, Whooping Cough too often leaves the
respiratory organs so seriously impaired that they are rendered
peculiarly susceptible to the bacillus of tuberculosis.