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greatly needed in Acton owing to our laundry industry and high infant
mortality. If the clergy and ministers of religion would take the
matter in hand, and a committee of ladies formed, subscriptions could
be invited, and in this way an advance would be made.
It is gratifying, however, to be able to report a low infant mortality
compared with previous years, viz., 149.8, against 170.1 in 1901.
This is due to the diminished number of deaths from epidemic
diarrhoea. Twenty-three deaths were registered, as against 69 in 1901,
and 50 in 1900. Of the 23 deaths—
18 were children under 1 year of age.
4 were children between 1 and 5.
1 adult over 65 years.
WHOOPING COUGH.
There were 13 deaths from Whooping Cough. The relation in
which this number stands to that of previous years is shown in the table
on page 10. With a view of educating the poorer classes I have drawn
up the following leaflet, which was widely circulated during the Spring,
when the disease is most prevalent.
Instructions to the Public as regards Whooping Cough.
Leaflet issued by the Acton District Council.
This disease is most fatal in young children. Out of every 100
deaths from Whooping Cough, 96 occur in children below five years of age.
A Child suffering frotn this Disease should be Isolated,
and not brought in contact with any other children until the characteristic
spasmodic cough or whoop has disappeared for at least a week. This
may be six weeks or more from the commencement of the illness.
The Disease is spread by the Breath and Sputa of the Patient.
Whatever the child coughs up should be received on paper or rags, and
immediately burned.
The Medical Officer of Health.
Public Health Department,
Gothic Villa, Mill Hill Grove,
Acton, W.