View report page

11
Causation and Distribution of Infectious Diseases.
Scarlet Fever.—There have been several distinct outbreaks of this disease during
the year. The first, traceable to contagion in a neighbouring district. Secondly,
I found two children in the peeling stage, in a house to which I was called to
see another patient in the early feverish condition. Other cases were distinctly
traced to children at school in the peeling stage, the disease not having been
recognised through the mildness of the initial symptoms.
The absolute necessity of an efficient Isolation Hospital in connection
with the checking of this disease was very clearly brought home to the
Sanitary Authority by the outbreak in September. Owing to the large number
of convalescent cases the Hospital rapidly filled, and several cases had to be
isolated as well as possible at their own homes. The disease finally stopped,
on all being housed in the Hospital. A scheme is now under discussion for
procuring a site for convalescent cases of Scarlet Fever in conjunction with
other Authorities. Another point clearly demonstrated was the great length of
time the peeling stage may last in some cases.
The Town has been singularly free from Whooping Cough and Measles
up to the last month, when those diseases began to shew themselves afresh among
the young children. There was one death from Whooping Cough as against 22
last year, and no deaths from Measles as against 13 last year. No case of Small
Pox has been notified. The Council have, however, agreed with West Ham
Corporation for the reception and treatment of any cases arising in the
district at the Corporation's Dagenham Hospital now in course of erection.
Diarrhcea and Dysentery :
No. of deaths in 1895, 35; No. of deaths in 1896, 13.
There is a very distinct fall of deaths from this disease in 1896, though
I think a few cases returned as Gastro-Enteritis ought probably to be added to
make the comparison more accurate.
Phthisis.—Eighteen deaths, 1896; Seventeen in 1895.
Cancer.—Eight deaths, 1896; four deaths, 1895.
Influenza.— Five deaths, 1896; Five in 1895.
This disease is apparently endemic in the district.
Puerpural Fever.—Two cases, one death ; cause undiscovered.