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37
Measles and Whooping Cough.
Seven deaths from measles occurred during the first half
of the year, but Whooping-Cough was considerably less prevalent
than during the two preceding years, and only one
death was recorded.
During the fifteen years, 1891 to 1905, the deaths from
Measles numbered 79, and those from Whooping-Cough 106,
together making a total of 185, that is just over twice the
number of deaths {i.e., 91) from Scarlet Fever, Diphtheria,
Enteric Fever, and Smallpox combined.
Almost the whole of the mortality from Measles and
Whooping Cough is due to lung complications, and where care
is taken from the first onset of illness serious trouble onlv
rarely occurs. Unfortunately, both Measles and WhoopingCough
are very generally regarded by parents as calling for
little attention, and so soon as the acute symptoms are passed,
the child is allowed out without any special precaution to
avoid cold. With a view to drawing attention to the above
facts, and to the advisability of seeking medical advice at an
early stage in these complaints, before grave complications
have supervened, a handbill will be delivered at every house
where the School Attendance Officers learn there is a case of
either disease.
Smallpox.
No case of this disease was notified in Finchley during the
year.
The Hospital in Summers Lane, which has accommodation
for 24 patients, lias been kept in readiness for immediate
use. By an agreement with the Hornsey Borough Council
this hospital is available for cases from their district, but it
was not called into requisition during 1906.