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59
SECTION 11 B.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES—NON-NOTIFIABLE.
We can partly judge of the prevalence of these diseases by the death
returns. The deaths from measles have been 36 less than last year, and the
deaths from whooping cough have been 8 more. The deaths from diarrhœa
have been 4 more than last year ; from influenza, 4, three less than last year.
The Fourth Disease.—During February, and up to the beginning of
May there were about 50 cases of a curious disease, chiefly amongst young children
of Silver Street School. I call it the "Fourth disease" for want of a better
name; it was not scarlet fever, measles or german measles. It is characterised
by a sudden onset of feverishness without catarrh, a scarlet rash showing mostly
on the face, which lasts from one hour to twenty-four, and is not followed by
peeling. The total length of illness lasts only from two to four days, but it is
undoubtedly infectious. It is not a virulent disease and there were no deaths
therefrom.
A better knowledge of the prevalence of these diseases is gained from the
notifications received from the head teachers, when they are sent in fully and
regularly to the Medical Officer of Health. (See Annual Report on Education.)
DIARRHŒA.
Fifty-eight deaths occurred from diarrhœa and epidemic enteritis, as compared
with 54, 19 and 145 for 1913-12-11. The death-rate from the disease is
0.85 per thousand of the population, as compared with 0.81 last year. Of these
deaths, 44 occurred in children under one year of age, giving an infantile
mortality rate for the year from this cause of over 24 per thousand nett births; the
figures in 1913-12-11 were 22, 8 and 61 per thousand nett births. Fortynine
deaths were in children under two years ; these contribute to the zymotic
death-rate.
Deaths from diarrhœal diseases occur mainly between one month and
nine months of age—a period when the infant, who could be breast-fed with
entire safety, is tested with unclean cows' milk, and samples of grown-up
persons' diet. The advice on diet personally given by the Women Inspectors is
very useful.
In July I was authorised to issue posters as in previous years, and in conjunction
with the Engineer to take such steps to prevent the spread of the disease
as may be necessary.