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10
Comparing the Table with that given for 1924 all our Mortality
rates are less—those for Whooping Cough and Diphtheria with a
slight increase excepted—and in every case more favourable than
those for the Country or the Great Towns.
Over 45 per cent. of our Deaths occurred without the Area, mainly
in Public Institutions, but in every case the Cause of Death was
certified by a Doctor or Coroner.
Our Infantile Mortality-rate is very low when compared with that
of the Country or those of the Towns.
Although the number of cases of Scarlet Fever was double that of
1924 only one death occurred, whereas with 30 per cent, less cases
of Diphtheria we had three more deaths.
The increased mortality occurred in children aged 2 to 5 years.
Three of these deaths occurred within twenty-four hours of removal
to Hospital.
From the Table given on page 58 it will be seen that
of the Areas given West Ham and Willesden only had a smaller
Diphtheria Death-rate than here.
Our Infectious Sickness Rate, based on the proportion of cases
notified to total population, was 4.6 per 1,000 compared with 3.9
in 1924.
The increase is accounted for partly by a large number of cases
of Rotheln being notified as Scarlatina.
In estimating this rate the only diseases counted are those
notifiable prior to 1914. Upon this basis the rate is only a third
of that prevalent prior to the opening of the Isolation Hospital.
Although no extension has been made to the Institution since
1906 the accommodation provided was sufficient for all purposes.
Ninety per cent. of the notified cases of Diphtheria and over 80 per
cent. of the Scarlet Fever cases were removed from their homes.
The natural advantages enjoyed by Walthamstow—its close
proximity to Epping Forest and the number of open spaces in the
shape of Parks and unbuilt-on areas—account largely for the
favourable position it occupies from a Public Health standpoint.
Within a few years our Sewage Farm will have disappeared, and the
future prospects of the District as a residential area, will thereby
be enhanced.