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1905]
72
APPENDICITIS.
Twenty-nine deaths from Appendicitis were registered during the year, of
which 17 were those of males and 12 of females.
This return is one above that of 1904, and 21 above that of 1903, and 8
above that of 1902.
In the last annual report it was pointed out that this disease might be
described as inflammation of the appendix caecum vermiformis, which is a long
wormshaped tube or process situate at the commencement of the large
intestine. The cause of the disease has not been over well defined, but it is
more than probable that all attacks of true Appendicitis are the result of the
action of bacteria, while its severity depends upon the virulence of the microbe,
as well as upon the power of resistance of the patient. It may also be ascribed
to a faecal concretion or to foreign bodies, such as fruit stones or other hard
and small particles which have gained access to the intestine. There is no
doubt that its more certain diagnosis has led to fewer of the attacks escaping
detection, and hence the increase in the disease is more apparent than real.
The ages of the persons dying from the disease were as follows:—
0 to 5 years 1
5 „ 10 „ 4
10 „ 15 „ 1
15 „ 20 „ 6
20 „ 25 „ 3
25 „ 35 „ 3
35 „ 45 „ 4
45 „ 55 „ 4
55„ 65 „ 2
65 „ 75 ,, 1
Thus it appears that the disease was most fatal among persons from 15 to
20 years old.
It is a notable fact that no death was registered as from any of the
institutions situated within the Borough.
SEPTIC DISEASES.
39 deaths were ascribed to these diseases, of which Erysipelas, Puerperal
Fever and Pyaemia are the best known.