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38
Infantile Mortality 288 infants died under one year of age 01 71 more than in the
previous year.
The Infant Mortality rate for the Borough was 87.2 per 1,000 births.
Just as in the case of the Maternal Mortality it is necessary to consider
carefully this sudden increase in Infant Mortality, so that steps may be taken
to save more infants in the future. It should be remembered that the Infant
Mortality rate may so easily fluctuate from year to year. This is shown very
vividly in the following particulars of Infant mortality in Stepney since 1920.
1920. 90 per 1,000 births. 1925. 73 per 1,000 births. 1930. 76 per 1,000 births.
1921. 89 „ „ 1926. 65 „ „ 1931. 78
1922. 79 „ „ 1927. 68 „ „ 1932. 61.6 „
1923. 62 „ „ 1928. 71 „ „ 1933. 65.3 „
1924. 74 „ „ 1929. 88 „ „ 1934. 87.2 „
There are many reasons for the deaths of infants under one year of age,
some epidemiological in origin-—such epidemics being far from constant from
year to year—some embryological.
Epidemiological Reasons.
Measles.
There were 26 more deaths in 1934 than in 1933. There were 110 deaths
in 1933, and it will be remembered that I expressed the fear that the 1934
epidemic might turn out to be a severe one.
Pneumonia.
There were 37 more deaths in 1934 than in 1933, and I cannot help feeling
that, although Measles was not mentioned in connection with these deaths,
it showed its effect in this increased number of deaths.
Diarrhoea.
There were 6 more deaths in 1934 than in 1933. Unfortunately a dry,
hot year—much welcomed by the hiker, camper and holiday maker—does
take its toll amongst the infants.
Special weather conditions.
The worst month for Infant Mortality was February, there being during
that month 10 deaths from Diarrhoea and 26 from Pneumonia. This
was easily the worst month for Pneumonia, and it equalled August in the
number of deaths from Diarrhoea. February was a particularly rainless