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27
Phthisis.
573 deaths occurred from Phthisis during the year. This corresponds
to a death-rate of 1.87 per 1,000 of the population.
98 occurred in the Limehouse District, or at the rate of 1.68 per
1,000.
117 occurred in the St. George's District, or at the rate of 2.29 per
1,000.
171 occurred in the Mile End District, or at the rate of 1.47 per
1,000.
187 occurred in the Whitechapel District, or at the rate of 2.32 per
1,000.
In addition to the above, there were 159 deaths from other Tuberculai
Diseases. This corresponds to a death-rate of .52 per 1,000 of the population.
42 occurred in the Limehouse District, or at the rate of .72 per
1,000.
29 occurred in the St. George's District, or at the rate of .56 per
1,000.
53 occurred in the Mile End District, or at the rate of .45 per
1,000.
35 occurred in the Whitechapel District, or at the rate of .43 per
1,000.
In my Annual Report of 1904, I gave the result of my inquiries with
regard to the voluntary notification of Phthisis, in those districts where it had
been adopted. The Public Health Committee carefully considered the report,
and reported to the Council as follows:—" Since it is now certain that Consumption
is an infectious disease and therefore preventable, we recognise that
it is desirable (1) that patients so suffering should be notified to the Public
Health Authority, (2) that they should be segregated for treatment, and (3)
that after removal or death, the rooms occupied by them should be disinfected.
" We recognise, however, that at present such methods of dealing with
these patients are impossible, if compulsion is desired, and futile if left to
voluntary action. Therefore, until such measures can be adopted, it is desirable
that the 'health conscience' of the public in general, and more especially
of the individual patients, should be educated, as to how they may aid themselves,
and at the same time prevent danger to the health of others.