London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Islington 1867

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington, Parish of St Mary]

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REPORT
ON THE
SANITARY CONDITION OF ST. MARY, ISLINGTON,
FOR JUNE, 1867.
No. CXXII.
The mortality of the past month has been again exceptionally low, only
300 deaths were registered, whereas 350 would have been registered
had the death-rate of June for the past 10 years prevailed.
As is not unusual at this season of the year, small-pox has receded
somewhat, but cases of scarlet fever have become more frequent; but
not at all in excess of what is customary. The cool nights which have
succeeded warm days seem also to have kept diarrhoea in check, the
number of cases of bowel complaints recorded during the month not being
more than 122 and 7 deaths. A case of Infantile cholera, rapidly fatal,
in Pickering Street (which will be tabulated in July,) was followed up
by thorough disinfection with carbolic acid, &c. of the clothing and
rooms, and has induced me to repeat the precautionary disinfections of
closets, &c., in suspicious localities.
As the season of last year's outbreak is approaching, I feel that it is
desirable that no practicable precautions should be left unused. Householders
generally should see that their cisterns and water butts are
thoroughly cleansed, and that dust and refuse are not allowed to
accumulate upon their premises. By the adoption of such measures as
these in each district of London, we may hope to escape a repetition of
last year's calamity.
EDWARD BALLARD, M.D.,
Medical Officer of Health.
Vestry Offices,
July 10tA, 1867.