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33
disturbances in those who had survived their seventh day. There was
little enough change in the mortality of those dying before this time,
suggesting then that the increase in the infant mortality did not arise
from a lower standard of the ante-natal or midwifery services or from an
impairment in the condition of the expectant mothers.
What was saved in the neonatal deaths in 1941 as compared with 1940
though was lost in the later months, the increase being equally apportioned
between respiratory and abdominal disturbances. Having regard to
the severe weather experienced in the earlier part of the year the following
analysis of the distribution of death amongst infants of different ages
is of interest.
The number of deaths amongst those under the age of 7 days occurring
in the months of January to April was 17; in the months May to August, 16
and the period September to December, 10. The effect of the harsher
weather is as might be expected not markedly reflected in this distribution.
By contrast the corresponding figures relating to the deaths of children
aged one week to one month were 25, 4 and 4; and of infants from 3 to 12
months, 40, 21 and 15.
These figures therefore suggest that in spite of the fact that the
infant mortality rate has risen sharply from 1939 to 1940 and less sharply
from 1940 to 1941, that it need not be accepted that this is an inevitable
consequence of the war or that there must of necessity be a steady deterioration.
MORTALITY AMONGST CHILDREN of 1 to 5 years of age.
Table I showed that the deaths amongst the children of ages 1 to 4
were not markedly different in 1941 from those of other years. Respiratory
affec' ions accounted for 5, gastro-enteritis 2, and other infections
3 of the deatl.; of those of one year of age. Of those of 2 years of age the
corresponding figures were 3, 1 and 3. Tuberculosis accounted for the
deaths of 4 children over one but under five years of age.
INFANT MORBIDITY.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
Seven cases of ophthalmia neonatorum were notified, one of them
being in an infant born in a hospital outside the district. Two infants
were admitted to a hospital for treatment while three were passed to the
local District Nursing Association. All made complete recovery.
Pemphigus.
Three cases of pemphigus neonatorum were notified, one being
sufficiently severe to require admission to hospital for treatment.
MATERNAL MORTALITY.
Nine deaths occurred from or associated with pregnancy, giving a
maternal mortality rate per 1,000 total births of 3-18 comprised of a rate
of 1.06 from puerperal sepsis and 2.12 from other puerperal cases.
Two of the patients were attended at their confinement by the Council
midwives. The first after a normal confinement developed a raised
temperature on the 6th day on account of which she was removed to