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opinion that probably some of these deaths were due to
communicable affections, which should, therefore, have been
notified. The Public Health Act does not define Puerperal
Fever, but I consider it should be regarded as applying to
metritis, peritonitis, and pelvic inflammation occurring as a
sequel of child.birth, besides to the usual forms of puerperal
pyaemia and septicamia.
Three cases of Puerperal Fever having occurred in the
practice of one midwife at the close of 1895, I requested her,
at the beginning of 1896, besides taking the usual measures of
disinfection, to abstain from attending any further cases for
one month. This she agreed to do, and no more cases
occurred in her practice.
I have found that Puerperal Fever most often occurs in the
practice of midwives. Accordingly, I have, by the authorization
of the Health Committee, issued to the midwives
practising in Plumstead a printed bill of recommendations for
antiseptic measures, and other precautions, likely to tend to
the avoidance of infection.
30. There were 43 cases of Erysipelas, compared with 53
in 1895.
Measles.
31. There was a serious outbreak of Measles during the
past year, causing 68 deaths, which is more than in any.
recent year. The highest number recorded since 1885 was 48
in 1886. The epidemic commenced in the first quarter, reached
its height in the second quarter, and has declined since.
Not only did this outbreak of Measles cause more deaths
than any previous one, but more than have been due to any
other infectious disease in the past 10 years, except Phthisis.
H