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14
Again, the significance of a high rate of prevalence of
Enteric Fever varies widely in different circumstances. This
disease may be constantly present in one district as a result of
drainage defects or of a polluted water supply; whilst in
another district its introduction may be wholly accidental, as
when it is due to casual pollution of water, or to a specifically
contaminated milk supply introduced from without.
These and like circumstances must be kept in view if we
would draw sound conclusions from a high or a low rate of
prevalence of zymotic diseases, particularly in relation to the
sanitary condition of a district.
Subject to corrections for local circumstances, for climatic
influences, and for high rates in previous years, the concurrence
of a low zymotic death-rate with a low general death-rate
furnishes just ground for satisfaction. For some years past the
general rate and the zymotic rate have both been below the
decennial average in Kensington. It need hardly be said that a
persistently high rate of mortality from zymotic diseases furnishes
matter for serious consideration. Kensington has hitherto been
fortunate in having a death-rate from these diseases much below
that of the Metropolis generally.