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14
As pointed out in previous reports, the causes to which mortality in infancy is
chiefly attributable are : immaturity (prematurity, wasting and developmental diseases),
respiratory affections and diarrhcea.
In 1911, this rule held good, about 50 per cent, of the deaths being due to these
causes. The percentages contributed by each were immaturity, 24 (63 deaths);
respiratory affections, 9 (bronchitis 8 deaths, pneumonia 16 deaths) ; diarrhcea and
enteritis, 25 (66 deaths).
Causes other than those referred to above which contributed to an extent worth
mentioning are convulsions 11, measles 12, whooping cough 13, suffocation 11 and
meningitis—all forms—11.
Overlying accounted for 7 deaths ; two of the children were under one week and
five less than three months old.
Distribution of Infantile Mortality.
The distribution of deaths amongst infants is graphically shown in the accompanying
photograph of a map of the Borough into which pins have been introduced, one as
near as possible to the address at which each death occurred.
Differently coloured pins were used for each of the causes of death, but,
unfortunately, the colours do not show up on the photograph.
What is shown, however, very clearly, is the massing of the deaths in the
districts occupied chiefly by the poorer inhabitants of the Borough. The Lisson
Grove area, where most of the houses are let out in tenements is clearly shown to
have suffered most.
This map may be compared with that given in the report for 1910 and showing
the distribution of deaths from phthisis. It is interesting to note how alike the
photographs are.
Prevention of Infantile Mortality.
In a circular issued in August last by the Local Government Board with regard
to the prevalence of epidemic diarrhcea amongst children it is suggested that in the
Annual Report for 1911 the Medical Officer of Health should set out the course of
action adopted in the district to prevent diarrhcea and child mortality generally in
that year.
The lines along which the circular suggested that action should be taken are
exactly those followed in the Borough, viz.
The giving of exact advice as to feeding and management of children. A
great amount of work of this kind is done by the Council, the three women inspectors,