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31
special request among Jews were retailed. As it was impossible to
isolate the sick child, and the parents refused to allow it to be
taken to a hospital, a magistrate's order was obtained, and the
patient was removed the same evening in the Asylums Board
ambulance.
DIPHTHERIA (including Membranous Croup).
(Total Deaths 64. Decennial Average 101-1.)
The number of cases reported under the two heads was 324 ; the
deaths registered were:—
Diphtheria 57
Membranous Croup 7
64
This indicates a mortality rate of 19.7 on the notifications. On
the estimated population at all ages the mortality is 0.49 per 1,000
living, whilst the general Metropolitan rate is 0.39.
Of the cases, 124 were reported from the North district, with 22
deaths; 91 from the South, with 19 deaths; and 109 from the East,
with 23 deaths.
In 120 instances the residence of the patient was found to be in a
satisfactory sanitary condition; but in 88 the closets were defective;
in 11 the external drainage was faulty, and in 17 the drains inside
the house were leaky; in three instances the domestic water supply
was drawn from the w.c. cistern; in two cases the premises were
overcrowded; whilst various other insanitary conditions were noted
in 145 instances; 39 cases occurred in families occupying one room
only.
Out of 192 cases removed to hospital, 32 died.
By the authority of the Sanitary Committee, I have made
arrangements with the Clinical Research Association for a bacteriological
examination in doubtful cases of diphtheria, &c.