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21
Classification of Deaths.—It should be borne in mind that
the statistical data compiled locally relating to cause of death may
not entirely agree with the figures furnished to Local Authorities by
the Registrar-Genoral. Classification of the cause of death is taken
from one or more causes as stated on the medical certificate in
accordance with the rules generally adopted throughout England
and Wales.
The Registrar-General is able, in cases where it is deemed
desirable, to obtain fuller information from the certifying
practitioner. This enables his department to modify the original
classification—hence the possibilities of discrepancies in some
cases between the figures preparod locally and those referred by
the Registrar-General.
Common Infectious Diseases.—No deaths were recorded
during the year from the class known as the Common Infectious
Diseases which comprises Measles, Scarlet Fever, Diphtheria,
Whooping Cough and Diarrhoea. The previous year's total was 3
deaths with a rate of 0.03 per thousand of the population, similar to
the figures returned for 1950.
Two deaths were recorded in 1949, 4 in 1948, 6 in 1947 and 9 in
1946.
Smallpox.—No deaths from Smallpox have been recorded
during the year, this year being the 50th since a death from this
disease occurred.
Measles.—There were no deaths arising from this cause during
the year—a similar return to that of the previous year. No deaths
have been recorded since 1947 when there was one.
Scarlet Fever.—For the sixth year in succession there were
no deaths attributed to this cause. One was recorded in 1946, none
in 1945 and one in 1944.
Whooping Cough.—No deaths were credited to this cause
during the current year in comparison with one for the previous
year.
One death was registered for each of the years 1947, 1948, 1949
and 1950.
Enteric Fever.—There were no deaths arising from this cause
during the year and none has been recorded since 1941. Only 3
deaths from Typhoid Fever have been registered during the last
twenty years.