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21
Similar returns have been so fully discussed on previous
occasions that it is only necessary to refer briefly to the inferences
that may fairly be drawn from these figures.
(1) The death rate from all causes is nearly half as large
again among children receiving more or less artificial food as
compared with those that are entirely breast fed for the first
six months of life.
(2) The mortality from diarrhoeal diseases is nearly eight
times higher among those receiving artificial food as compared
with that of children who are entirely breast fed.
(3) Though the number of children fed on condensed milk
is comparatively small they furnish a considerable proportion
of the deaths of infants from all causes and a still more considerable
share of diarrhoeal deaths.
PUERPERAL FEVER was notified on 11 occasions. Five of
these cases ended fatally. Three of the cases were attended by
registered midwives. In every instance the disinfectant used by the
midwife was only Condy's fluid, which is practically useless for this
purpose. Even where more efficient chemical substances are stated
to be used it is doubtful whether any real disinfection of the
midwife or of the patient is carried out. Efficient disinfection in
every case means scrupulous cleanliness as a preliminary and the
careful use for a definite time of a definite strength of an efficient
disinfectant. Few midwives working among the poor attempt
more than the wetting of their hands in a "bowl of water to which
they have added an unknown but extremely small portion of a
disinfecting fluid whose name they have usually forgotten. In one
instance a registered midwife made no pretence at disinfection, not
even taking her bag to the case. Puerperal fever shortly developed,
and the facts were reported to the Central Midwives' Board, who
instituted an enquiry and removed the midwife's name from the
roll. Though no longer registered, this midwife still continued her
employment, and has already had another case of puerperal fever in
her practice (January nth, 1906).
In only three out of the 11 cases of puerperal fever was a
medical man actually present at the confinement.
ERYSIPELAS was notified on 78 occasions, and five cases ended
fatally.