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25
PUERPERAL FEVER.
The number of cases reported to me under this head was 18, but
there were only six deaths. This large increase is to a certain
extent apparent only; for owing to the wider interpretation given
to the term "Puerperal Fever'' by the Royal College of Physicians,
I have received some notifications of slight febrile conditions during
the puerperal state which would not have been reported a year ago.
A midwife practising in the district had a number of cases. I
directed her to cease attendance, to destroy all her infected clothing,
and to go into the country for a month. She had no fresh cases on
her return.
WHOOPING COUGH.
(,Deaths 44. Decennial A verage 90.)
The deaths from this disease were only half the average, the
whole of them were amongst young children aged less than five
years, a death rate of 2.4 per thousand on the estimated population
of young children.
MEASLES.
(Deaths 90. Decennial Average 120.)
Measles caused 90 deaths, all except two amongst young children.
The mortality from Measles is in the proportion of 4.8 per thousand
on the estimated population of young children.
DIARRHCEAL DISEASES.
(Deaths 156. Decennial Average 107).
The deaths in Bethnal Green from Diarrhoeal diseases were 156,
only 13 above the number registered in 1898, but no less than 49 above
the decennial average. The great heat and drought of the summer
months probably had much to do with the increased mortality. The
excessive prevalence of Diarrhoea commenced at the end of July
and attained its maximum in the third week of August.
In London generally there was a similar prevalence of Diarrhoea;
the annual death rate from diseases of this class being the highest
recorded since 1868.