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29
[1919
DEATHS FROM THE DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM.
These diseases, which include Chronic and Acute Bronchitis, Pneumonia,
Pleurisy and Asthma, caused 770 deaths, or 386 more than in 1918. They
were equal to a death-rate of 2'34 per 1,000 of the civil population, and
represented 16'6 per cent, of the total deaths registered in the borough.
Acute Bronchitis.—There were 149 deaths as compared with 144 in the
previous year. 76 occurred among males, and 73 among females. The deaths
of 30 infants under 12 months were registered.
Chronic Bronchitis.—245 deaths were ascribed to it, 10*2 being males
and 143 females. This return is 61 below that for 1918.
Pneumonia (All forms).—Three hundred and twenty-four deaths were
registered, of which 191 were males and 133 females. They are 325 above
the number who died in 1918. It was very fatal to infants under a year old,
among whom it caused 65 deaths, while between the ages of 1 and 5 years
63 died from it. Above 5 years of age the deaths numbered 196.
40 Deaths occurred in Public Institutions, chiefly the Workhouse
Infirmaries.
Pleurisy.—From this disease 160 deaths were registered, of which 1 was
under five years old. Only 4 deaths occurred in Public Institutions.
Asthma and Emphysema.—Twenty-seven deaths were recorded from
these diseases, 26 of which were those of adults.
Other Diseases of the Respiratory System. — Nine deaths
were registered from them, as contrasted with 16 in 1918.
VENEREAL DISEASES.
Thirteen deaths were ascribed to these diseases, as compared with 15
for J918. They were 4 below the mean of the preceding ten years 1909-18.
The annual average number of deaths recorded during ten years from
them at three groups of ages has been as follows: — Under 1 year 10 deaths
1-5 years 1 death, and over 5 years 6 deaths, making an average total of 17
per annum.
So far, nothing practical has been done in Islington to prevent these
diseases, but it is to be hoped that measures will soon be taken to cope with
them in a satisfactory manner. Very few cases come under the personal
observation of the Medical Officer of Health, as apparently the persons
attacked do not care to disclose their condition, but the few cases which have
come under notice have been referred to the Clinic which has been established
at the Great Northern Central Hospital, Holloway Road, for treatment.