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95
CONTINUED AND TYPHUS FEVERS.
During 1902, 10 cases were notified in the Borough of Lambeth
and one death registered from Continued Fever, as compared
with yearly averages for 10 years (1891-1900) in the Parish
of Lambeth of 25.7 and 2.2 respectively. The case-mortality
for 1902 is 10 per cent. 6 cases were notified during 1901, and
3 deaths registered, from Continued Fever, in the Borough of
Lambeth.
In London, 48 cases were notified, and 4 deaths registered
from Continued Fever, giving a case-mortality of 8.3 per cent.
(uncorrected). No case of Typhus was notified during 1902 in
the Borough of Lambeth, but 4 cases were notified in London,
but no deaths registered, giving a case-mortality of 0.0 per cent.
(uncorrected).
PUERPERAL FEVER.
During 1902, in the Borough of Lambeth, 6 deaths were
registered from Puerperal Fever (a disease of child-bed), and 17
cases notified, giving a case-mortality of 35.3 per cent.
The annual averages for 10 years (1891-1900) in the Parish
of Lambeth are (1) notified cases, 18.9; and (2) deaths, 11.5;
whilst, in the Borough of Lambeth during 1901, 16 cases were
notified and 10 deaths registered.
Puerperal Fever is a preventable disease, and is caused
through want of care on the part of the nurse, or the medical
practitioner, attending upon a lying-in woman. 9,067 births were
registered in the Borough of Lambeth during 1902, and in only
17 cases was Puerperal Fever notified—a most satisfactory fact
to be able to report. Of the 17 cases notified, 4 were removed
to Hospital. In each case enquiries were made, and the Midwives
(when in attendance) were visited at their homes, their
rooms (or houses), and clothes disinfected, and their other cases
(being attended at the time) followed up and watched for periods
varying from 2 to 3 weeks each. Three Midwives were
cautioned, but in no instance was it found necessary to take legal
action against any Midwife.