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2
Eight hundred and seven new cases of disease came under the care of the
Parochial Surgeons, so that (making allowance for the difference between 5
and 4 weeks) the general sickness also among the poor has been less than last
month : there has been especially a diminution in the number of cases of catarrh
and other acute pulmonary affections. The cases of disease of the zymotic
class show a slight increase. Had last month's rate continued 120 would have
been entered, whereas the number was 128. Chicken-pox has been prevalent
among children, and there has been more small-pox than was met with in the
pauper practice last month.
The health of the poor stands also to advantage when compared with the
corresponding five weeks last year, (807 new cases against 815). Typhus and
s carlet fever are less prevalent, 8 cases of the former, and 9 of the latter disease
having presented themselves in May, 1856. There has been, however,
more hooping-cough, (15 cases against 19) and a larger number of cases of
diarrhoea (42 against 32).
The atmospheric temperature (Greenwich) has been every week higher
than in the corresponding period of last year;—in the 3rd and 4th weeks of
the month, higher by 6 or 7 degrees. The average for the 5 weeks has been
51.9°, that of May last year was 48.6°.
EDWARD BALLARD, M.D.,
Medical Officer o f Health.
42, Myddelton Square,
June 4th, 1857.