View report page

116
to the deaths from Phthisis there were 26 deaths attributed to
other tubercular diseases, 19 being of infants under 5 years of
age. The death rate per 1000 population was 1.3. In East
Plumstead it was 14, and in West Plumstead 1.2. For several
years previous to 1896 the phthisis death rate has been considerably
higher in West Plumstead than in East, but this
relation has now changed.
37. Although it was a favourable year for phthisis, and the
phthisis death rate was lower than for several years past with
one exception in 1894, yet this disease caused more deaths
than any of the ordinary infectious diseases, and more than
any one disease with the possible exception of bronchitis.
It is obvious then that any measures which help to diminish
the prevalence of phthisis will greatly affect the rate of sickness
and death, and this just at the most important period of
life, viz., from 20 to 40 years,which is the time when consumption
claims most of its victims.
38. It is a well known fact that the sanitary measures of
the past thirty years, which have produced improved drainage,
better houses with more light and air, and less overcrowding,
have already resulted in a considerable diminution of phthisis;
and all means that are now being taken to remedy defective
drains, remove dampness in houses, promote cleanliness of
rooms, and generally to cause the soil and the air to be purer,
are means for lessening the prevalence of phthisis. But
within the past ten years it has come to be generally recognized
that phthisis is an infectious disease, and that therefore it is
desirable to take means to prevent the spread of the infection
which is found in the expectoration of phthisical persons. The
infection, it is true, does not affect people as a rule, unless