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14
the infantile mortality was high, the mischief extended beyond
the age-period under 1 year. For every infant that was killed
others were maimed and scarred. When the conditions under
which the infants were reared were improved the results were
observed not only in a reduced infantile mortality, but in a reduced
mortality in the age period 2-5 years, and in an improved physique
of the school entrants.
It is possible that one explanation of the lowered mortality
and fatality from Measles is associated not with a diminished virulence
of the germ of Measles, but with a higher resistance of the individual.
Last year's epidemic was in time and course a winter epidemic.
The First case occurred on November 26th, but as far as can be gathered
no extension of the disease beyond the affected house took place.
On the re-opening of the schools after the Christmas holidays,
several cases were reported from different schools.
The epidemic lasted up to Easter and as stated 14 deaths
occurred.
MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE.
Notification of Births Act. 1042 live births and 16 stillbirths
were notified. The improved conditions and the
lowered percentage of non-notified cases are referred to on a previous
page of the report. It is satisfactory to note that last year over
98 per cent. of the births were notified within the statutory period.
779 of the births were visited by the Health Visitors, and the
number of visits paid to the homes was 8,463.
Infantile Mortality.—65 deaths occurred in children under
one year of age. This number corresponds to an infantile mortality
of 56 per 1,000 births.
This is the lowest infantile mortality recorded in the district;
on no other occasion has it been below 60 per 1,000 births.
The rate for England and Wales was 75, for the 105 Great
Towns 80, and for London 71 per 1,000 births.
In the year, four unknown babies were found in the district
2 in the allotments near St. Dunstan's Avenue, I near Victoria Road,
and 1 in a field near Old Oak Lane. If these were deducted, the
infantile mortality would be 52 per 1,000 births.
The Ward distribution of the infantile deaths was as follows:—
North-East. North-West. South-East. South-West.
20 9 8 28
The Ward infantile mortality was:-
North-East. North-West. South-East. South-West.
59 35 34 68
The infantile mortality of the North-East Ward is unduly
high on account of the 4 dead infants found in the district and which
really did not belong to Acton. All four were found in the North