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The relatively large number of deaths from respiratory infections
again emphasises that the prevention of the spread of colds and coughs,
particularly to young babies, is of the greatest importance.
The 16 babies dying in the first month correspond with a neo-natal
mortality rate of 17 (i.e., deaths in the first month per 1,000 live births).
The rate of 16 in 1947 was the lowest recorded in this District since 1936,
when this rate was first noted, the previous lowest being 18 in 1944. The
average for the past 12 years is 25.7.
During the year 6 premature babies were notified as being born at
home and 28 in institutions. Of the former one died within a few hours
of birth, in hospital. Altogether 8 deaths occurred in premature babies,
and 7 of them were in respect of babies born in hospital or in a nursing
home outside the District, and before their discharge home.
These numbers suggest that 23 per cent, of the premature babies
died, which is a slight improvement on 1947.
16