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9
ZYMOTIC DISEASES.
The deaths referred to the principal Zymotic diseases (exclusive
of Diarrhœa) during 1887, viz.:—687 were considerably in excess of
the previous year owing chiefly to the large increase in the deaths
from Measles, which from 64 in 1886, rose to 331 in 1887.
No death from Small-Pox occurred in the Parish during the year,
the two deaths tabulated as such, in accordance with the practice of
the Registrar General, being due to Varicella, or Chicken-Pox.
The deaths from Measles reached 331, the highest number on
record in Islington, and those from Whooping Cough, 238, were again
very high.
The number of deaths due to diseases of the Respiratory Organs
was nearly as great as in the previous year, the fatal cases numbering
1,169, as against 1,201 in 1886, 1,197 in 1885 and 978 in 1884, but the
deaths from these diseases, unless in very exceptionally severe seasons,
more nearly keep pace with the increase of the population than those
caused by other diseases.
The fatality from Diarrhœa was also large, 291 deaths having
occurred, as against 307 in 1886.
SMALL POX.
Another year has past of exemption from a visitation of Small-Pox,
the two deaths in Islington tabulated as such having been really due,
as I have already stated, to Varicella.
Last year I sounded a note of warning against a fancied security
from an invasion of this disease, and I will therefore here only repeat,
that good primary vaccination and re-vaccination, with continuous
vigilance, are the only means of guarding against such a calamity.
MEASLES.
Measles was severely epidemic during the year, more especially
in the months of March, April, May, June and July, the deaths in the