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7
in the number of deaths in infants under 1 year and in the ageperiod
25—45 years.
There was a higher death-rate in three of the wards and a
lower one in the South-East Ward. The death-rate in each ward
was as follows:—
North-East. North-West. South-East. South-West.
12.2 11.8 9.2 12
Among the diseases which caused an increased number of
deaths, the most prominent were Measles, Heart Disease and
Arterio-sclerosis and Cancer.
The increased number of deaths from Measles is dealt with
on a later page. Measles is a disease which occurs in epidemic form
practically every other year, and in this districtl924 was an epidemic
year.
The question of heart disease was referred to in last year's
Annual Report. The increased number of deaths is probably
not due to an increase in the incidence of heart disease, but to the
more exact methods of diagnosis and to wider conceptions of the
effects of heart disease and more especially to the importance of
injury from infection of the heart muscle.
The problem of the etiology and treatment of heart disease
in early life has frequently been discussed of late, both in this country
and in America. Although the need for fuller information regarding
the whole etiology of rheumatic fever is recognised, there is general
agreement on the need for prolonged convalescense after rheumatism
if the heart is to be protected and the liability to recurrence lessened.
In the course of inspection amongst school children, it is
a too common experience to find that the parents have treated an
attack of rheumatism as a trivial affair. In many instances the
illness has been regarded as growing pains, but permanent damage
has resulted to the heart.
Cancer.—A very marked increase occurred in the number of
deaths from Cancer. In last year's report it was stated that circulars
and memoranda had been issued by the Ministry of Health and
as a result of a Conference of the Local Authorities within the
Brentford Union, a committee had been formed for the purpose
of exploring any and every avenue which may lead to a diminution
of the ravages of the disease.
The Memoranda issued by the Ministry of Health emphasize
the advice given by the local committee. The latter recommend
the issue of leaflets pointing out the danger of delay in obtaining
treatment and emphasizing the importance of removing any source
of chronic irritation.