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55
It will be noted that the proportion of deaths caused by
tuberculosis is higher at each age-group, except those under 15
and males of ages 25 to 34, in this district than in the country as
a whole, and the differences are more marked than might be
accounted for by assuming the local death rate in each group is
lower than that for England and Wales.
It seems then that in this district any advantages accruing
from the better housing of the occupants are outweighed by other
factors.
Deaths.
There were, during the year, 88 deaths from pulmonary
tuberculosis. 10 of these were of patients residing in the older
property of the district, in 9 of whom the disease was contracted
here. 7 cases occurred amongst the residents of the newer property,
of whom 2 transferred here with the disease. Of the remainder,
approximately one-half contracted the disease since living here,
the others having transferred here while suffering from tuberculosis.
Of those who presumably contracted the disease while living
here, 17 out of 38 died within six months of the alleged onset and a
total of 25 within twelve months. In 8 cases the death occurred
in the second year. No patient apparently survived 5 years. Of
the 31 persons who transferred here with the disease, 7 died within
six months of transfer and a total of 10 within twelve months ;
7 died in the second year, 4 in the third and 2 in the fourth,
two patients survived 5 years. The period from the onset
of the illness in these patients to their deaths was under 6
Months in 2 eases, 1 to 2 years in 8 cases, and in 9 cases,
the duration of illness was 5 years or over. In 11 instances
pulmonary tuberculosis appeared on the death certificate of
persons whose names had not appeared on the Tuberculosis
Register. In some of these cases particulars were not obtainable
owing to the family having removed out of the district on the death
of the patient. To remove the misconception on the part of some
Petitioners as to their duties in regard to their patients who
had been notified while living in other areas, all practitioners have
been cirularised and informed of the position with regard to
of the 18 deaths from non-pulmonary tuberculosis, meningitis
accounted for 14. In 11 Instnces the age at death was 5 or
under.In 2 cases only was family history obtainable. Most of
the childern had been born here and the milk supply to the homes
was almost invariable a heated milk. The other cases notified
were 2 of peritonitis,one on spinal disease and one of general miliary
tuberculosis.