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14
The total number of cases notified was 1,256, which exceeded by
287 the number notified in the year 1898. This is equal to an attack
rate of 4.3 per 1,000 of the population. Fortunately the death-rate
has not kept pace with the attack rate. The total deaths numbered
181, equal to a death-rate of .63 per 1,000 and a mortality of 14.4 per
cent. of persons attacked—the lowest mortality yet recorded. In 1891
the case mortality was 30 per cent., which means that if the same rate
of deaths to attacks recorded in that year had occurred last year,
instead of 181 deaths, we should have suffered from this one disease
376 deaths.
In considering the distribution of the disease, it is essential to
take note of the milk supply, and also of the incidence of the disease
on the schools of the Borough. Indeed, both these points are care
fully watched from day to day as a matter of official routine, but it
will also be useful to place on record the results of the year in this
respect, and I therefore give below the number of cases of Diphtheria
in the Northern and Southern Divisions of the Borough, distributed
to each milk seller whose name has been given as supplying milk to
each case.
In the Northern Division one milkman was associated with 29
cases, another with 27, others each with 20, 15, 14, 13 (twice),
11 (twice), and 10 cases respectively. Forty-one were each associated
with less than 10 cases, while in 52 cases condensed milk was used
by the family.
In the Southern Division one milkman was associated with 40
cases, another with 26, others each with 15 (twice), 12, 11. Sixty-four
were each associated with less than 8 cases, while in 123 cases
condensed milk was used by the family.
Total Number of cases
of which particulars
were obtainable.
No. of Milksellers
engaged.
No. of Cases using
Condensed Milk.
726 121 175
With regard to the school incidence, I give below the number of
certificates sent to the Head Teachers of the various Public Elementary