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29
RESPIRATORY DISEASES.
The number of deaths due to bronchitis, pneumonia, and other diseases of the
organs of respiration was 377. This is lower by 17 than the figure (394) for 1912,
but higher than that for 1911 by 39.
The death rate was 3.46 per 1,000. In 1912 the rate was 3.07: and in 1911, 3.04.
The majority of the deaths in this group were traceable to bronchitis. The
number certified to be due to this cause was 225, as against 230 in 1912. Of this
number 132 were amongst persons aged 65 and upwards, and 59 amongst those in
the group 45-65.
The deaths traceable to pneumonia numbered 127, and as in the case of
bronchitis the later age groups contributed the greatest numbers, though 28 of the
deaths occurred amongst children under 2 years of age.
At the moment there is some amount of discussion as to the possibility of taking
action for the reduction of the respiratory diseases and having regard to the fact that
in 1913 they were responsible for about one-fourth of the total number of deaths, it
certainly seems desirable that some examination of this possibility should be made.
Of the diseases forming the group, that most definitely known to be due to a
germ is pneumonia. That it is a communicable, infectious disease is also generally
accepted.
It is fairly generally believed that the other respiratory diseases are also due to
germs, and to some extent, also, particularly the acuter forms, e.g., "cold," and acute
bronchitis, communicable.
Diseases that are organismal in origin and communicable so often fall within the
category of preventable that inevitably the question of preventability must be raised
in connection with pneumonia and the other diseases of the respiratory organs.
It may be that the only step that can be taken in the direction of prevention is
that of making the public aware of the fact that a germ is the factor in the production
of the disease, and warning them that there is a possibility of infection being acquired
from a person already suffering. This is, however, something, and if there is any
justification for it, it should be done.
In addition, of course, disinfection can be carried out, and if it does not help
directly, by destroying the organism of the disease, will certainly do so indirectly from
the educational point of view, by indicating that the local authority have such a belief
in the infectious character of the disease that they consider it necessary to take action
with the object of preventing spread of infection.
Up to the present no routine work of this kind has been done in the Borough in
connection with the respiratory diseases.
During 1914, however, it is proposed to deal with pneumonia in this way.
All premises in which a death from this disease is found to have occurred will
be visited: enquiries will be made, advice will be offered and disinfection, if
permission is given, carried out.