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The chief reduction in the infantile mortality rate for 1930
may be attributed to the fact that there was less respiratory trouble
among infants and young children in 1930 than in the preceding
year, when there was a severe epidemic of whooping cough with
its accompanying pulmonary complications. The number of deaths
among infants and young children from measles in 1930 shews
a considerable increase; again, in this illness, the development of
respiratory trouble is the cause of death in the majority of cases.
To combat these complications when they do arise, and to prevent
the development of them, increased accommodation is now available
in the Plaistow Fever Hospital for the reception and treatment
of such diseases. This is particularly important in this Borough,
where there is much overcrowding in some areas, and where home
conditions are most unfavourable for the nursing and care of sick
children.
The number of deaths among infants from Diarrhoea and
other gastro-intestinal disorders compares very favourably with
that number 5 years ago, viz. 39 in 1930 as compared with 81 in
1925. Certainly, climatic conditions in 1930 were not such as to
favour the occurrence of acute epidemic enteritis—there was no
prolonged spell of hot, dry, dusty weather. But climate alone is
not responsible for this improved rate over the past 4 years ; increased
infant welfare clinic work and home visiting by Health
Visitors must produce in the mothers a better knowledge of how
to handle and manage their infants as regards general routine care,
healthier home surroundings and more care in feeding, particularly
where the infant is artificially fed. The provision of a clean,
wholesome dried milk, easily obtainable by all mothers in the
Borough, has also undoubtedly played a large share in keeping the
death rate from Diarrhoea at a low level.
Unfortunately, emphasis must be laid on the number of deaths
occurring in infants under 1 year of age from Prematurity and
congenital debility. This number has maintained a steady rate
over the last 5 years, and it is to this number that the infantile
mortality rate is chiefly due.
Of the 353 deaths under 1 year of age, 118 occurred within the
first 4 weeks of life—33%.
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