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were cases of "typhoid" fever—a variety characterized by peculiar changes
in the glandular apparatus of the small intestines. One of the cases of fever
occurred in Albert Square, and is the fourth that has occurred in one family
during the last few months. I have inquired of several medical practitioners
and cannot learn that any case of " diphtherite" has occurred in Islington.
The registered mortality of the month has been 198, that of November last
year was 193; it is probable that an increase of 1/20 has since then been added
to our population, so that the same rate of mortality in the present year would
have been represented by 202 deaths, or 4 in excess of those which have actually
been registered.
As respects the zymotic mortality generally, we are certainly in a more
favourable position than we were this time last year, when the deaths from
zymotic diseases were 47, while they have this year been only 37. The
difference is remarkable in the mortality from measles, 5 deaths against
10 last year; in scarlatina, 4 against 7 last year; and fever, 5 against 8 last
year. The only excess is in hooping cough, where the deaths have been 9
against 5: 3 deaths from "influenza" have been recorded, while only one was
thus designated last year.
The number of deaths attributed to diseases of the respiratory organs is 54,
in November last year it was 44. Although only three deaths are stated in
the returns to be due to "influenza," there can be little question that the excess
of deaths of the class we are considering is due to the same morbid influence.
Of the deaths referred to "influenza," one occurred in a child aged 2
years, and the others in persons aged respectively 84 and 85 years. Of the
deaths stated to have occurred from bronchitis and pneumonia, 29 took place
under 4 years of age and 12 over 60 years.
The past month has been unusually fatal to the aged inhabitants of the parish,
36 persons died between 60 and 80 years of age, and 14 at ages over 80; last
year in November, only 5 died above 80 years of age. Of the 14 above 80 years,
5 were males, all but one in easy circumstances and aged respectively 80, two
82, 84 and 85; and 9 females, mostly in easy circumstances, aged respectively
82, two 83, two 84, 85, 87, 91 and 94, the two last of no specified disease but
absolutely worn out by a prolonged existence.
EDWARD BALLARD, M.D.,
Medical Officer of Health.
42, Myddelton Square,
December 7th, 1857.