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5
1916
In the period 1911—1914, the mortality from these
diseases in Acton was below the average rate for the large
towns. The mortality from these diseases is more influenced
by the advice given and the work done by the Health Visitors
than that from the other diseases of childhood.
The decreased mortality from these diseases is larger
accountable for the improved position of the district among
the large towns. In 1907—1910, the Infantile mortality was
only 5 per cent. below the average rate for the great towns,
but in 1911—1914, Acton was over 20 per cent. below the
average.
The Ante-natal work recently undertaken by the Council
will probably reduce the mortality from developmental
diseases, and we may reasonably hope for improved statistics
from Congenital Debility, &c.
There are two diseases, though, which loom largely in
child mortality, and the deaths from them have not shown an
appreciable diminution. In the control of Measles and
Whooping Cough, we have not made any marked advance,
and until the Council provides a certain amount of skilled
nursing in the homes, we cannot expect much improvement.
Steps have been taken to control Measles. On January
1st, 1916, the Public Health (Measles and German Measles)
Regulations, 1915, came into force, and these two diseases,
under certain conditions, are now compulsorily notifiable.
Of the 1,418 notifications received last year, 1,059 were of
Measles and German Measles. If the labour and expense
involved in the notification and investigation of these cases
are to be repaid, further administrative measures must be
taken.
Both the incidence of, and the mortality from, the
principal infectious diseases were lower than in the previous
year.
The incidence of Scarlet Fever was lower than in any
year since the introduction of compulsory notification.
Your obedient Servant,
D. J. THOMAS.