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5
Heart disease and cancer continue to cause the highest mortality rates
and together (350 deaths) they account for 50% of the total number of
deaths. 39 deaths were attributed to accidents or violence which
represents 5.5% of the total deaths recorded.
The number of deaths from cancer of the lung rose from 31 in
1963 to 49 in 1964 (39 males: 10 females). 10 deaths occurred in
persons in the 35 and under 55 age group, 25 between 55 and under 75
years, and 14- at age 75 and over.
Infant deaths under one year of age numbered 16 as against 11
in the previous year, indicating an infant mortality rate of 25.8 per
1,000 live births, compared with 20.0 for England and Wales. 10 deaths
occurred within the first week of life giving an early neo-natal
mortality rate of 16.1 per 1,000 live births. The increase in deaths
during the year under review was due to the incidence of prematurity,
11 deaths being recorded as against 4 in the preceding year. 11 still
births were registered which, added to the 10 deaths occurring in the
first week of life, gives a perinatal mortality rate of 33.2 per 1,000
total live and still births.
It gives me much satisfaction to report that there were no
maternal deaths or deaths from causes associated with childbirth during
the year.
In view of its internationally famous work it is fitting in this
final report to pay tribute to the part played by the Violet Melchett
Centre in pioneering Child Welfare in Chelsea. I have accordingly
briefly recounted this on pages 18 to 20.
The incidence of infectious disease in the Borough reached the
lowest level on record when the total number of notifications received
was 86, surpassing the previous lowest total recorded in 1962 when 151
cases were notified. Measles cases totalled 50, which represents
58.l% of all notifications received. It is pleasing to report that
for the second successive year no case of poliomyelitis was notified
and this excellent record is no doubt due to the general public taking
full advantage of the vaccine which is now available to adults as well
as children. 9 cases of dysentery were reported throughout the year
compared with 57 in 1963. One imported case of Typhoid Fever was
notified which concerned a patient who had felt ill before leaving
Pakistan. After arrival in London he stayed at various addresses and
was taken ill again whilst visiting friends in Chelsea. He was
admitted to hospital where he received routine treatment and was
finally discharged.
12 new cases of tuberculosis were notified during the year
(11 respiratory and 1 non-respiratory) compared with 27 cases in the
previous year. 7 of the respiratory cases concerned persons aged 20
and under 55 which represents 64% of all new cases notified. It is
particularly satisfying to record that the 12 new cases notified during
1964 is the lowest total returned in any year, and the gradual decline
in the incidence of this disease reflects the vast improvement in the
general health of the nation during the post war period, in which
improved housing conditions and higher social standards have contributed
in no small measure.