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Puerperal Fever — Contd.
The mortality rate of this disease remains high. The
necessity for the early removal of cases to Institutions cannot
be too strongly advocated. In the majority of homes there
are not facilities for the successful treatment of this
disease, and I am certain that, where a doubt exists with
regard to the diagnosis, it would be better to remove the
patient to an Institution, in order that she may be placed
in the most favourable circumstances for treatment.
The number of deaths due to, or associated with, childbirth
is extremely disquieting, as will be seen from the
following table:—
Maternal Mortality.
Deaths per 1,000
Births.
Total
No.
Deaths.
From
Sepsis.
Other
Causes.
Total
Childbirth.
Year.
Sepsis.
Other
Causes.
1919
21
9
12
1.73
2.31
4.04
1920
14
8
6
1.06
0.79
1.85
1921
16
9
7
1.42
1.11
2.53
1922
15
7
8
1.29
1.47
2.76
20
1923
9
11
1.59
1.94
3.53
When one considers the above figures, no other conclusion
can be drawn than that there has been no improvement in the
death rate of women in childbirth. In fact, last year's figures
show an increase over the three preceding years.
In my opinion, improvement can only be obtained by
the proper care of the expectant mother. Further, apart
from the deaths from this cause, it must not be forgotten
that a large number of women who survive a pregnancy
suffer some permanent injury or impaired health, which,
in all probability, could have been prevented by treatment
during the period of pregnancy.
Pneumonia.
32 cases of acute influenzal and 52 of acute primary
pneumonia were notified during the year. Nursing services
were provided in all cases where assistance was sought.
Cerebro-spinal Meningitis.—No cases of this disease were
notified.
Acute Polio-Myelitis and Encephalitis.—Four cases were
reported during the year. Each case was followed up, to
ensure that treatment was carried out to prevent the development
of permanent deformities.