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106
Summary.
1. The year was marked by the highest epidemic of summer
diarrhœa since 1911, but compared with that year the incidence
and the death rates were approximately halved.
The proportion of infant deaths due to diarrhœal diseases
was in excess of that due to them in London as a whole. In
spite of this the infant mortality rate in Woolwich was 62,
the third lowest in London.
2. Only 18 deaths occurred amongst those cases (under 1)
which were notified more than 24 hours before death, compared
with 38 deaths amongst those not notified or notified
within 24 hours of death. This discounts somewhat the
value of compulsory notification in the control of these
diseases.
3. The case mortality in children under 1 year was 36 per
cent.; in children from 1 to 5 years, 4.2 per cent. In 1911
the corresponding figures were 32 per cent. and 49 per cent
respectively.
4. The incidence of disease was 125 per cent. amongst
breast.fed infants; 3.32 per cent. amongst breast and hand
fed infants, and 8.91 per cent. amongst hand.fed infants.
Dried milk does not appear to diminish the case rate of
summer diarrhœa, but it appears to have some influence in
diminishing the case.mortality rate.
5. It is very important that parents should appreciate more
that diarrhœa in the summer months means danger, and
should obtain medical and nursing assistance and advice
before it is too late.