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19
The Autumn of 1898 was noted tor epidemic prevalence of
Enteric Fever throughout the country, and I showed in my last
Annual Report that the West Ham prevalence varied directly with
that of London. The epidemic died down in the opening months of
1899, but suffered a recrudescence in the Autumn months of September
to November. Altogether 467 cases were notified, of which 83 were
fatal, or nine more than in the previous year. The attack rate was
therefore T6 per 1,000, the death-rate .28 (.26) per 1,000, and the case
mortality 17 per cent. of cases. Although this mortality is slightly
greater than in the previous year it is below the average I have
recorded during the past 10 years.
Increasing evidence is being furnished of the liability to contract
this disease suffered by persons eating contaminated oysters and other
shell fish. The Brighton Corporation are moving in this matter with
a view to inducing the Government to institute special legislation,
and your Council decided to support the memorial prepared by
the Brighton Authorities for that purpose. I have instructed the
Inspectors of Nuisances, in making their enquiries in connection with
this disease, to pay especial attention to the food supply of the
individual suffering, but, hitherto, their reports have not given many
instances of cases in which the origin of the disease could be traced to
oysters from suspicious layings.
As an instance of the need for the Plaistow Hospital extension,
which is now being pushed forward, and of the practical impossibility
of treating this disease in the homes of the poor, I cite the following
series of cases:—
No. 1.—E. W., aged 22, 112, Clarence Road. Attacked with
Enteric Fever 21st September. Notified 9th October.
Nursed at home by wife.
No. 2.—A. W., aged 21, 112, Clarence Road, Wife of No. 1.
Attacked 13th November. Notified 15th November.
Removed to Charing Cross Hospital.
B 2