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63
REPORT
on THE
SANITARY CONDITION OF ST. MARY, ISLINGTON,
FOR MAY, 1865.
No. XCVIII.
The registered mortality of the four weeks of May has been 272, a
diminution of 41 upon the mortality of April. The corrected mean
mortality of nine years being 263, it follows that we have had nine
deaths only above the average. The deaths from the tubercular class
of diseases, especially consumption, have been unusually numerous. The
only epidemic diseases in excess appear to be hooping cough and smallpox.
The new cases of hooping cough have risen from 36 to 66, and
the deaths have been the same number as in April. Of small-pox 22
cases have been registered, and four deaths—twelve of the 19 cases'
attended by the Parochial Surgeon occurred in Upper Holloway.
There has been a slight increase in the number of cases of scarlet fever
and diarrhoea. Two deaths were registered within a week of one
another as occurring from "cerebro spinal nemingitis." This being
the designation of a disease now epidemic on the continent, I think it
right to mention the fact, although I lay no great stress upon it. In
neither case was the diagnosis verified by post mortem examination;
but the account of the illness as given me by the medical gentlemen in
attendance shows that the cases were of an unusual character, and my
enquiry into their nature was evidently anticipated.
EDWARD BALLARD, M.D.,
Medical Officer of Health.
Vestry Offices,
June 8th, 1865.