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45
Parish of Clapham.
other the state of the individuals' throat before the attack
of diphtheria. From enquiries on the subject and from
my own observation I am satisfied that almost all the sufferers
from this disease are those who have had chronic
"weak" throats, generally enlarged tonsils, or thickened
mucous membrane.
It would seem to be equally important, therefore, to
prevent the preceding unhealthy throat condition, or at all
events to cure it, and I regard it as a good sign that more
attention is year by year being given to children's throats
at the hospitals, &c., and feel hopeful that an influence
may thus ultimately be brought to bear on the prevalence
of diphtheria.
As regards personal infection, it is a most difficult and
almost hopeless matter to prevent some few infectious children
mixing with others at schools.
Enteric Fever.
There were 33 cases notified as compared with
34 in 1894, and there was also a case of continued fever.
The deaths were 4 against 7 last year.
There were found sanitary defects, chiefly in the
drains; in 15 houses. A number of the cases were clearly
contracted away from the parish, and in some instances no
cause could be discovered.
Puerperal Fever.
Only one case, which, however, ended fatally
was reported.
Erysepelas.
40 cases were notified, and there was one
death.
Measles.
This disease was the cause of 18 deaths, one
more than last year. 1895 Avas, therefore, apparently
not an epidemic year for this disease, but this mortality