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Deaths of infants under one year numbered 25 giving an infantile
mortality rate of 26.28 per thousand live births. This compares with a
rate of 21.1 for England and Wales, the lowest figure on record.
There were no maternal deaths.
Deaths from a11 forms of cancer showed an increase, numbering 146
compared with 131 in 1962, and was the second greatest cause of death.
Although deaths from diseases of the heart and circulatory system showed
a small decline - 270 compared with 293 in 1962 - it was still the principal
cause of death, and accounted for 36% of the total deaths.
Deaths from cancer of the lung increased to 40 as against 32 in 1962
and followed the usual pattern with the greater proportion of deaths (33)
occurring in males.
The position with regard to tuberculosis was particularly gratifying
in that only 14 new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were notified during
the year, the lowest figure on record. This is of particular note as this
low figure follows the substantial fall in new cases mentioned in my report
last year. There was a slight increase in deaths attributable to tuberculosis
compared with 1962, but in recent years, with the help of modern drugs and
treatment, the mortality rate has been vastly reduced. Despite this
encouraging note, however, it is important to remember that the disease
retains its high infectivity and intensive search for early cases must
continue.
Seven deaths were reported from motor vehicle accidents, this being
one less than last year. All other accidents accounted for sixteen deaths
which was two more than in the previous year. Suicides accounted for
seven deaths, two less than in 1962.
With regard to infectious disease, notifications amounted to 763
compared with 163 in 1962. The increase was due to the fact that 1963
was a "measles" year with 650 notified cases compared with 122 in 1962.
There were no deaths from infectious disease. No cases of poliomyelitis
were notified.
For the fourteenth year in succession Wimbledon was again completely
free from diphtheria, but there were cases of the disease in unimmunised
children elsewhere in the country. This is still a highly dangerous
disease which is always likely to reappear, and will do so if protective
immunisation of children is not kept at a high level. Parents should
ensure that the initial protection is given to their children in the first
year of life.
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