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Of those deaths occurring in the second to the fourth weeks,
some are due to the same causes as those occurring in the first
week, the infant just possessing the necessary strength to survive
the longer period. Towards the end of the first month, however,
respiratory affections exert their toll. In some, of course, this
affection is merely a terminal condition in a weakly infant; in
others, however, it is due to infection by other members of the
household, and calls for education of all as to the infectiousness
of the common cold and of its seriousness when attacking the very
young.
The attack on neo-natal mortality then is part of the attack
on maternal morbidity and mortality, namely, further propaganda
as to the necessity for full medical ante-natal supervision for all
expectant mothers.
There were in total only 36 deaths amongst infants between
one month and one year old. This low rate is part of the general
low death rate in childhood.
Deaths of Older Children.
12 children died in their second year. Broncho-pneumonia
caused 4 of these deaths, three of these being at the time that
influenza was prevalent. The infections caused most of the
remainder of the mortalities, whooping cough being responsible
for two, and tonsillitis, scarlet fever and diphtheria one each. Two
children were fatally scalded.
Of the 9 who died in their third year, four succumbed to
pneumonia, as in the last age-group most of these being at the
time of the prevalence of influenza. One died from acute tonsillitis
and one from scalds.
Tubercular meningitis was the cause of the deaths of two out
of 6 who died in their fourth year ; septic tonsillitis, diphtheria an
bronchitis one each.
The three fatal cases of children dying in their fifth year
were due to influenzal pneumonia, meningitis and a road accident.