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19
I wish to draw attention to the ignorance of the general public as
to the infectious nature of this disease. Children suffering from it,
and liable to acute spasmodic attacks, are heedlessly sent out into our
public streets and allowed to use tramcars and other public vehicles.
DIARRHCEA.
This disease has been very severe this year, and 18 more deaths
were registered than during last year.
The epidemic commenced rather suddenly in August, when 00
deaths occurred, and was continued through September, when 57
deaths occurred. In these two months there were 117 deaths, or
over 84% of the total deaths.
Of the 139 total deaths, 125 were under five years of age.
During August printed leaflets were distributed throughout the District,
warning parents against the danger of allowing this complaint
to continue without seeking advice, and suggesting the care to be
taken with milk and water during the extreme heat.
INFLUENZA.
At no time has there been any epidemic, although occasionally
isolated cases have occurred.
There were 15 deaths, 12 being over five years of age.
PHTHISIS.
There were 70 deaths registered, being 11 fewer than last year.
TUBERCULOSIS.
As considerable attention has been recently directed to the important
question of the spread of Tuberculosis, I have ventured to
make some special remarks in this Report.
There is no doubt that the deaths from Tuberculosis are considerably
on the increase each year. It is difficult to obtain accurate records
of such deaths, for it is only when the disease affects one or two special
organs that we learn that death is caused by Tuberculosis. The
number of deaths from Phthisis, or Tubercular Disease of the Lungs,
is very great, and this is especially noticeable in the Returns from such
an Institution as the Union Workhouse, where the sufferers have been
previously exposed to all weathers, and have been ill-clad and badly
nourished.