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6
The activities of the newly opened bug disinfesting station have resulted
in 100 per cent, vermin free admissions of tenants into the new Borough Council
flats, and great interest both in and outside the Borough has been aroused by
the ingenious system of wholesale disinfestation of furniture in vans, followed
by forced ventilation.
* * * *
It is most satisfactory to record that the maternal mortality rate of the
Borough continues to decline, being only 1.56 per 1,000 births.
As anticipated in the annual report of last year (pp. 40 and 46), the
infant mortality rate for the present year is, unfortunately, high, 100.09 per
1,000 live births, to some extent accounted for by the severe epidemic of
measles and concurrent broncho.pneumonia.
1,294 more cases of measles were notified this year with 52 deaths, 15
deaths being of infants under one year of age. Broncho.pneumonia showed
56 deaths of infants compared with 34 last year.
The population of the Borough has decreased by 3,700.
Births have increased by 40, with a birth rate of 14.7.
Deaths from all causes increased by 227 to a total of 2,620.
Pulmonary tuberculosis deaths were 4 less and non.pulmonary 10 less
than last year.
Zymotic disease deaths totalled 192, compared with last year's unusually
low figure of 77.
Notifications of infectious diseases were 1,096 more than last year, but
excluding measles, were 198 less than last year.
There were 54 more cases of scarlet fever and 224 less of diphtheria—a very
large decrease.
There were no cases of small.pox.
Food poisoning cases notified numbered 8, or 24 less than last year.
* * * *
In presenting this, the annual report for the year 1936, may I express my
sincere thanks to the chairmen and members of the several committees
associated with the work of this Department for the very great help and
consideration I have received from them at all times and, to the staff of the
department, may I pay a warm tribute for the keen interest they have taken
in their work and for their ever.willing co.operation.
With every prospect of a full and complete staff, I am hopeful that still
further progress will be shown in the year 1937.
I have the honour to be,
Your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
F. R. O'Shiel,
Medical Officer of Health.