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73
One hundred and seventy seven cases of Erysipelas have
been notified during 1911, as compared with 138 in 1910, 179
in 1909, and 168 in 1908. There were no deaths registered
from the disease either within the borough or from outlying
institutions. In each notified case the premises have been
visited and enquiries made, and where necessary disinfection
performed.
Puerperal Fever.
1911.
Average for
previous 10 years
Number of Cases
2
5
Number of Deaths
1
—
The two cases of puerperal fever notified have been notified
in the practice of midwives, and compared with 2,6, and 4
for the three years preceding.
One death occurred as compared with 1,1, and 2 for the
three preceding years.
The death rate was equal to 0.009 per 1,000, compared
with 0.008, 0.008, and 0.01 for the three preceding years.
Such a low mortality speaks well for the midwives of the
borough, who attend by far the greater number of the births.
The mothers also have either followed the advice of their
nurses as regards cleanliness, or have been the creatures of
providence. It is a notable fact that the deaths from this
disease are very often the result of gross carelessness on the
part of the mothers themselves, because many of them do not
trouble to prepare clean bedding for their lying-in. This is
not always due to actual dirty habits, but to the fact that they
do not wish to soil their bedding, not knowing in their ignorance
that at the time of their confinement cleanliness is of the first
importance.