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Diaeehœa.
67. There were 35 deaths from Diarrhœa, compared with
30, 81, and 105 in the three preceding years. The number of
deaths from Diarrhoea in the past three years has greatly
exceeded that in any previous years since 1885, even allowing
for increase of population. This is, no doubt, mainly due to
the fact of the succession of three warm summers, which has
not occurred previously since 1885. Eighty of the deaths were
in children under 5 years of age. Fifteen occurred in West
and 70 in East Plumstead.
(N.B.—These numbers include Gastro-Enteritis, which are
excluded by the Registrar-General).
68. The death-rate, per 1,000 population, as given by the
Registrar-General for 1898, was 0.78 in Plumstead and 0.91 in
London. But, owing to the uncertainty as to the nomenclature
of this disease, some practitioners calling it GastroEnteritis,
&c., it is hardly safe to compare death-rates.
69. Dr. Newsholme, in an exhaustive examination of the
causes of Diarrhoea, concludes that the principal factors in
producing a high mortality from this disease are a permeable
soil, surface filth from imperfect removal of house refuse, &c.,
and a warm and dry season. The germs of disease are conveyed
in dust, and in food, such as milk. Thorough watering
of streets, open spaces, yards, &c., has much effect in diminishing
it. Last summer, by your order, I prepared a circular on
the feeding of infants: this has been distributed through
District Visitors and others. It is appended to this Report.
Alcoholism.
70. Seventeen deaths were certified as due to alcoholism or
diseases the direct result of alcohol, eight being in West and