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six deaths from this cause, whereas in the preceding year there were 27
deaths, and in 1898, 13 deaths. This is equal to a rate of .4 per 1000
of the population. The same rate for England and Wales was .69.
Of the 6 deaths, 2 occurred in New Southgate and 4 in Palmers Green
and Bowes; while in Southgate and Winchtnore Hill, not a single
death from this cause was registered. This also is a very satisfactory
record, even taking into consideration that throughout the country
diarrhoea was less prevalent than is usually the case.
Measles.-During the past year the District has been exceptionally
immune from Measles, and no deaths from this disease were recorded.
No outbreak of Measles has occurred since the end of 1897
and the beginning of 1898, when the majority of the then existing susceptible
children suffered from this complaint. As during the three years
that have elapsed since then, a number of children have been born, a
large amount of susceptible material has consequently accumulated.
Now Measles usually re-appears epidemically every three or four years;
another outbreak may therefore be expected at any time, and it is very
probable it may occur this year.
Whooping Cough, of a mild type in general, was somewhat in evidence,
in Southgate chiefly, more or less during the year, but at no time
did it assume an epidemic chafacter. Four deaths were caused by this
disease, three of which occurred at Southgate.
Influenza was very prevalent during the early part of the year,
more especially in January, when it was generally epidemic, whilst
throughout the year cases occurred at intervals. Altogether, Influenza
accounted for 8 deaths, 5 of which occurred in January.
I would again remind the public of the highly infectious nature of
this disease, and of the necessity that exists for isolating all sufferers as
carefully as in the case of other Infections Fevers. Only those actually
in attendance on the sick should be allowed to visit the sickroom, and
the whole household should abstain from visiting and mixing with other
people as much as possible.
Tuberculosis. During the year there were 13 deaths from
Tubercular diseases including 8 from Phthisis ("Consumption.")
In all cases of Phthisis that have come to my knowledge, leaflets
have been left pointing out fully the nature and danger of the disease
and the means to be taken for the prevention of the spread of infection
to others. And where rooms occupied by consumptive persons have
been evacuated by death or otherwise, a visit has been paid by one of the
Sanitary Officials and an offer to disinfect free of cost by the Sanitary
Authority has been made, and in most cases carried out.
Infectious Hospital.—The necessary sanction of the Local
Government Board having been obtained, the erection of this Hospital was
commenced in June last, and it is very satisfactory to be able to report that