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45
North Woolwich had far the highest death rate, and St.
Margaret's the lowest. The continued high diarrhœal death rate
of North Woolwich requires careful consideration. I have
previously attributed it to some extent to defective sewers and
high level of the ground water; the sewers are being improved,
and it is to be hoped that this cause may soon no longer exist.
The average level of the streets is 6ft. below Trinity high water
mark. This must mean that the ground is to a large extent
waterlogged, and that ground air is forced into those houses not
sufficiently protected with concrete, twice daily. A large part of
the ground, too, was made up with house refuse, and consequently
the soil and ground air is impure. Owing to the existence of
large factories employing female labour in the Borough, and in
the adjoining part of West Ham, it is probable that the number
of married women employed away from home exceeds that in the
whole Borough. This would mean more hand-fed children and
more Diarrhoea. The Lady Inspector is giving special attention
to this district, and an improvement is to be anticipated before
long.
69. The rate in Eltham exceeded that in the Borough, for the
first time since 1901.
70. Voluntary Notification of Zymotic Enteritis was instituted
during the summer quarter, and a full report on the results
obtained is found in an appendix, with the method adopted and
action taken in notified cases.
The following leaflet is given to the mother of each notified
patient:—
Infectious Diarrhœa.
Summer diarrhoea being an infectious disease and very fatal
to infants, mothers and others having the care of children are
strongly advised to attend to the following rules:—