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54
The subject of the diphtheria increase is a burning one,
and one that apparently baffles all endeavours to satisfactorily
explain it. Many factors, undoubtedly, are at work
in Lambeth (and the Metropolis generally) causing the
increase, in addition to the "school influence," which
certainly plays a more or less important part. Examining
the statistics of Lambeth more in detail, it will be seen that
Lambeth Church, 2nd, suffered most severely, though it
may be noted that Waterloo Road, 1st and 2nd (despite
the over-crowding that exists there), suffered as lightly as
Norwood and Brixton in respect to the incidence of the
disease. The mortality incidence varies, as does also the
case mortality, in the different Sub-Districts.
Throughout the year the disease has been constantly
sub-epidemic, with a slight increase during the last quarter.
TYPHUS FEVER.
On July 29th William C. aged 10 years, was notified as
suffering from typhus fever at 25, Vauxhall Walk, having
been taken ill on July 28rd. The patient was removed at
once to hospital (where he died), and the house was
thoroughly disinfected and cleansed, the walls being stripped
of their papers (which were burnt at the Wharf), washed with
strong disinfectant and lime-washed, and the bedding,
clothing, etc., destroyed. All this work was carried out
by the Vestry at a cost of £2 17s. 6d.* No other case
arose, nor could the source of the original contagium be
definitely traced, though there was a history of the child's
uncle having (fourteen days before) returned from Australia.
This was the only case notified in Lambeth during 1896,
as compared with 6 cases notified in London and 5 deaths
(i.e., 83.3% case mortality).
* Stripping and cleansing £1.5s.
Compensation for clothes, bedding, etc., burnt, £1 12s. 6d.