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8
Any causes of Sickness or Invalidity which have been
specially noteworthy in the Borough during the year;
and any Conditions of Occupation or Environment which
appear to have had a prejudicial effect on Health.
It will be seen from these statistics that Cancer is responsible
for the largest number of deaths from any one cause, although
there is some reduction in comparison with last year.
Heart disease and diseases of the circulatory system generally
are accountable for much fatal illness in the middle and later
decades, often the result of early rheumatic affections.
The number of deaths from infectious and parasitic diseases
calls for active propaganda as regards the prevention and early
recognition of such illnesses.
The severity and lateness of cases of Diphtheria admitted to
hospital is a matter of some concern to the Council and the Medical
Staff, and enquiries are generally made as to the reason for delay.
In view of the fact that in the Press and elsewhere notices
intimating that Diphtheria prophylaxis is offered in both the School
Medical and Maternity and Child Welfare Departments, the serious
nature of this illness is always before the public.
Births.
The number of births registered during the year was 1,922
as compared with 2,062 for the year 1932. The birth rate was,
therefore, 13.7 or .8 less than that of the previous year. The
decline in the birth rate is general throughout the country. The
still-births numbered 62 a£ against 86 for 1932.
Deaths.
The number of deaths registered during the year was 1,503
as compared with 1,456 for the year 1932. The death rate was
10.7 or .5 greater than that of the previous year. Of this number
657 or 43.7 per cent. of the deaths occurred in various institutions.
Sixty-two deaths of non-residents took place in East Ham.
Although statistics indicate a slightly higher rate it is approximately
the same as that of other years. East Ham is a healthy
Borough and the low death rate is practically constant.