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137
1913
PUERPERAL FEVER.
Twenty-eight cases were registered, as contrasted with 16 in the preceding
year, and an average of 19 in the 10 years 1903-12.
It is regrettable to find that this sickness, peculiar to women, should have
shown an excess of 9 on the decennial average. The disease is, however, one
with which the Sanitary Authority can do very little, as its prevention depends
more on the cleanliness and care of the patient, both on her own part and of
those in attendance on her, than is the case in any other complaint. Frequently,
also, it arises from accidental causes at the time of the infant's birth, which
no forethought can prevent. Schools for Mothers are doing useful work in
many of the great towns in instructing women, who are with child, what to
do before and after they are confined to ward off any untoward sickness.
Hospital Isolation.—As many as 23 of the patients were treated in
hospital, leaving only 5 to be looked after in their own homes. This is a
larger number than has previously been treated in public institutions, and
represented 82.1 per cent, of the total number of cases. Last year the percentage
was only 56.2. It is thus apparent that these patients received every
attention that medical science could afford them.
Fatality.—It is regrettable to find that 7 deaths occurred among the
patients, representing a fatality rate of 25 0.