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77
[1912
SCARLET FEVER.
The return of deaths from Scarlet Fever may almost be said to be
phenominal, for in a population of nearly one-third of a million of people
there were only 9 deaths. This is lower than any return which has been
hitherto known; and it shows how insignificant a factor this once formidable
disease is in the general mortality of the Borough. It is not possible to say
exactly why it has become so mild in form as to cause so few deaths. One
cannot help wondering if the germ has become weakened in the course of time
by having passed during so many years through a soil which, having become exhausted,
at last does not afford it sufficient nourishment to promote virulent
growth. We know that plant life will not flourish in an exhausted soil, and,
therefore, the questions suggested are "Is the soil in which the germ has for
long years flourished at last become exhausted of the properties which promoted
its growth." "Is the germ only waiting to be restored to strength
by cultivation in some new soil such as that of a race which hitherto has not
been attacked, thence to return to us with restored and youthful vigor." It is
fervently hoped that this will not happen, because it would be a calamity to
the nation if the disease once more assumed its former virulent form.
Particulars with respect to the incidence of the disease in the sub-registration
district are to be found in the Table which follows:—