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49
[1905
In the country generally the rate was 0.10 per 1,000 less than the average
for the preceding ten years.
This disease, although below the average, nevertheless caused considerable
anxiety, because when once it has gained access to a school (and it must be
recollected that in these modern times our schools are attended by almost the
entire youthful population, all of whom are more or less susceptible to the
disease when they commence their schooling) it is almost impossible to stay
its spread unless by the closure of the class room or school immediately the
first two or three cases have appeared.
It is very satisfactory to note that the whole question of the prevention
and the spread of measles in the elementary schools has been receiving the
most careful attention of the Education Committee of the London County
Council and their Medical Officer, Dr. Kerr, and that a careful investigation
has been proceeding for the last few years in Woolwich.
The large number of deaths for which the disease is responsible is well
shown in the following statement:—
Annual Aver. Annual Aver.
Quinquennia. Deaths. No. of Deaths. Quinquennia. Deaths. No. of Deaths
1856-60 424 85 1881-85 898 179
1861-65 457 91 1886-90 924 185
1866-70 514 103 1891-95 856 171
1871-75 633 127 1896-00 1024 205
1876-80 629 126 l 1901-05 689 138