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The death-rate throughout the whole of the Borough was 07 per 1,000 of
the population.
The death-rate in the whole of London was 05 per 1,000.
Typhus Fever.
Typhus Fever is one of the most contagious diseases known to Medicine.
It originates and spreads to predisposed individuals solely by the direct or
indirect transmission of the specific contagium, and develops in the body of
the patient.
The mode of transmission, and entrance into the body, is probably in all
essentials similar to that which obtains in Small Pox, Scarlet Fever, Measles,
etc.
The poison of Typhus Fever is not carried a very great distance through
the air. Therein it differs from the poison of Small Pox, which can undoubtedly
be wafted across a street, and carried to the inmates of a house on the
opposite side.
It is owing to the fact that the contagium cannot easily be carried a great
distance, that the disease did not spread when the undermentioned cases were
admitted to the London Hospital and that the wards are large and well ventilated.
The infection is rapidly destroyed by dilution with fresh air, and does
not cling to articles of clothing.
Five cases were notified during the year, four occurring in Mile End and
one in Whitechapel.
On January 14th, Milly G, aged 12, of 21, Brantridge Street,
attended as an out-patient at the London Hsopital. She complained of headache,
vomiting, and had a temperature of 101 degrees, but was not considered
ill enough to be admitted.
On January 17th, Dr. C, of Burdett Road, was asked to attend her.
He daily visited the patient at her home from January 17th to January 24th
inclusive. On the latter date Dr. C came to the conclusion that she
was suffering from Typhoid Fever, and notified the fact accordingly. The
patient was removed to the Fever Hospital on the same date, and the premises
were disinfected.
On January 31st, I was informed by the Medical Superintendent of the
Hospital, that the disease the patient was suffering from, was Typhus Fever,
and not Typhoid. I informed Dr. C of the Medical Superintendent's
opinion. The patient's father and mother, with 5 other children, besides the