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51
SECTION II B.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES— NON-NOTIFIABLE.
We can partly judge of the prevalence of these diseases by the
death returns. The deaths from measles have been 16 less than last year,
and the deaths from whooping cough have been 8 more. The deaths from
diarrhoea have been 126 less than last year; from influenza, 4, one more
than last year.
A better knowledge of the prevalence of these diseases is gained
from the notifications received from the head teachers, now they are sent
in fully and regularly to the Medical Officer of Health. (See Annual
Report on Education.)
DIARRHŒA.
Nineteen deaths occurred from diarrhoea and epidemic enteritis,
as compared with 145, 22, and 37, for 1911-10-09. The death-rate
from the disease is 0.29 per thousand of the population, as compared
with 2.29 last year. Of these deaths, 14 occurred in children under one
year of age, giving an infantile mortality rate for the year from this
cause of just under 8 per thousand nett births; the figures in 1911-10-9
were 61, 9, and 17 per 1,000 nett births. Only six of the deaths occurred
in the third quarter.
Deaths from diarrhoeal diseases occur mainly between one month
and nine months of age—a period when the infant, who could be breastfed
with entire safety, is tested with unclean cows' milk, and samples
of grown-up persons' diet. The advice on diet personally given by the
Woman Inspector is very useful.
In July 100 posters were published all over the district, and
general instructions given to the Engineer and myself to take such steps
as may be necessary to check the spread of infantile diarrhoea.
"It is assumed that an epidemic of diarrhoea has been established,
when the death-rate per 1,000 living for the whole year reaches 0.50.
Epidemic diarrhoea is always associated with a high temperature, dry air,
and polluted soil. The disease is predominantly one affecting the poorer
classes." (Ipswich Annual Report for 1911.)
Weather. This is best referred to here, as our figures show the
favourable effect on infantile diarrhoea of the rainy and cold summer of 1912
contrasted with that of the previous year.
MEASLES.
There were 15 deaths noted, compared with 31, 3, and 8, in 191110-9.
This number of deaths is equal to a death-rate from measles of 0.23
per 1,000 living. Two occurred in the first-age period (under one year), 8