London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Chigwell 1937

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Chigwell]

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9
REMARKS ON VITAL STATISTICS.
The Birth rate shows a very slight decrease in comparison with
figure for 1936, from 14.19 to 14.17. The infant mortality rate shows
a marked decrease from 61.01 to 25.07, the figure for England and
Wales for 1937 being 58. Eight legitimate infants died under the age
of one year. I am very pleased to be able to record this decrease as the
figure for last year was a high one for this district.
The causes of death under 1 year was as follows:—
(a) Bronchitis (b) Asphyxia from occlusion
of the air passages by natural secretions 1
Prematurity 2
Gangrenous Appendicitis 1
Congenital Duodenal Stenosis 1
Meningitis 1
Gastro-Enteritis 1
Broncho-Pneumonia 1
All these deaths with one exception occurred outside the district.
I am also glad to say that the figures relating to child birth are
satisfactory for the first time for some years. There have been no
deaths during the year. The provisional rate for England and Wales
given by the Registrar General for deaths from Puerperal causes for
1937 is 3.11.
The general death rate shows a decrease, the figure last year being
8 95 as against 8 57 for 1937.
Causes of Death:— Heart Diseases continue to account for more
deaths than any other group but the number this year is slightly less
than 1936—41 as against 45.
The deaths from Cancer show an increase—37 compared with
27—but I do not think that this indicates that this disease is becoming
more prevalent as the figure for 1935 was 39 out of a total of 179
deaths.
Out of the total of 202 deaths, 139 were of persons over 55 years
of age, including 51 of 75 years and upwards. It will be seen therefore
that of the total deaths over 25% occurred amongst persons of or over
the age of 75 years.
The deaths from infectious Diseases were:—
Pneumonia (all forms) 8
Influenza 6 (Non-notifiable)
Pulmonary Tuberculosis 8
Syphilis 1