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Burnt Oak, in which districts no death occurred, and curiously
enough on reference to a similar epidemic in 1897 these two districts
were the only ones where no death was recorded, showing
how very free from this complaint they have been.
The largest number of deaths occurred in Hendon Ward,
namely, 22 out of a total of 38, but it must be remembered that
by far the larger number of births have been registered from this
Ward. As to the origin of the epidemic, I think this must be put
down to the extreme tropical heat, for as I have before pointed
out, one of the main causes of these diarrhœa epidemics resides
in the soil, and that when the soil rises to a certain temperature
for a given depth, micro-organisms are given off from its surface
and obtain access to non-living organic matter, such as food, and
so convey the complaint to the individual. Other causes have
undoubtedly been instrumental in causing its spread, such as
improper food, ordinary cows' milk being frequently at fault,
owing to the rapid fermentation it so readily undergoes.
Want of cleanliness, maternal neglect, and want of proper
ventilation are other operative causes.
Density of population. This fact has undoubtedly had some
influence in producing the epidemic, the parish at the present
time being particularly overcrowded owing to the scarcity of
houses. During the prolonged drought the sewers have doubtless
been giving off their fair share of foul gases ; this has been dealt
with by your officers by repeated flushings and disinfectants. All
dust and filth accumulations tend to produce diarrhoea, especially
in hot weather, and these were dealt with as efficiently as possible.
DRAINAGE, Etc.
Burnt Oak.—This district, I am pleased to be able to report,
is now drained entirely to your works; all the houses having
been connected to the public sewer. The roads have been done
up under the Council's supervision, and this part of the parish is
now in a sound sanitary condition.