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14
The notable features of the autumn outbreak was the large percentage
of deaths of people in the prime of life (15 to 45 years). In this
outbreak the deaths of males were 91, and of females, 117.
In London generally there were 12,927 deaths from Influenza in 1918,
namely, 1st quarter, 154; 2nd quarter, 172; 3rd quarter, 938; 4th
quarter, 11,663. Chelsea's proportion of the total London Influenza
deaths in London in 1918, according to its population, is 184 deaths,
whereas the actual number of Chelsea deaths was 234, so that it would
appear that the epidemic in Chelsea was more fatal, and probably more
prevalent, than in London generally.
During the autumn, owing to the large number of deaths, and the
inability of undertakers and grave diggers to carry out the burials, the
Public Mortuary became highly congested, and many bodies had to remain
unburied for considerable periods in private houses.
The number of deaths from respiratory diseases was 205 in 1918, as
compared with 172 in 1917, and 195 in 1916. Of the 205 deaths 82 were
from pneumonia, as compared with 53 in 1917, and 32 in 1916.
The deaths from pulmonary tuberculosis in 1918 numbered 77 (53
males and 24 females), as against 79 in 1917. Other tubercular diseases
caused 23 deaths, as against 24 in 1917, and 12 in 1916. Of the pulmonary
tuberculosis cases ending fatally, 30 per cent. died in the Chelsea Infirmary,
and 46 per cent. in other public institutions; that is to say 76 per cent.
died away from their homes. In 1917, 68.5 per cent died away from home.
During the year 1918, 145 new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were
notified, as against 161 in 1917, 76 being males and 69 females. Sixtyeight
specimens of sputum were sent by medical practitioners to the
Lister Institute for examination as against 55 in 1917. Of the 68
specimens, 20 per cent. were positive for tubercle bacilli, and 80 per cent.
were negative.
In 1918, 29 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were discharged from open
air sanatoria, in which they had received institutional treatment, as
"insured persons" under the sanatorium benefit provided by the London
Insurance Committee, as against 21 cases in 1917. The average duration
of the stay of the 29 cases in sanatoria was 2½ months, as against 2¼ months
in 1917. In addition to the above, 8 insured persons had hospital treatment,
the average duration of stay in hospital being 2 months.
Seven uninsured persons were discharged after receiving open-air
sanatorium treatment under the L.C.C. scheme for the uninsured. The
average duration of stay in sanatorium of these cases was 6¼ months.
In addition 10 cases had hospital treatment; average stay being 2 months.
The number of new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis visited in the
course of the year was 145, and of non-pulmonary cases, 17. The total
number of visits paid in respect of all cases of tuberculosis and suspected
tuberculosis was 1,136. Four patients were lent beds and bedding by the
Borough Council.
Seventeen new cases of non-pulmonary tuberculosis were notified
in 1918, 13 being children under 15 years of age, and 4 adults. Twelve
were males, and 5 females. Several cases were helped to obtain proper
surgical treatment in hospitals, and others wero sent to country or sea-side
convalescent homes. As in previous years, a great deal of this work was
carried out by the Chelsea branch of the Invajid Children's Aid Association.