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As regards other infectious disease the year was notable
for an epidemic of measles and whooping cough with, however,
a nil mortality.
Our infant mortality rate again this year, at 14.94 per
thousand or less than half that for England and Wales,
justifies special mention. In this connection I feel sure a little
essay into past history will be of great interest to you and will
serve better than any words of mine to illustrate the advance
that has been made in environmental hygiene. I quote from
the Medical Officer's report for 1908 :
" The infant mortality of a district is largely
influenced by summer or epidemic diarrhoea. Although 1
death was registered from epidemic diarrhoea, 2 deaths out
of 4 were caused by gastro-enteritis or enteritis in the late
summer and early autumn. As soon as the earth temperature,
4 feet below the surface, began to register 56
degrees, a temperature which experience has proved to be
associated with the disease, the following pamphlet,
approved by the Public Health Committee, was delivered to
every house in the District.
Merton Urban District Council
SUMMER DIARRHOEA IN INFANTS
Important Notice
Summer diarrhoea in children, specially up to two
years of age, is a serious disease, parents ought therefore
AT ONCE to consult their doctors on the very outset of
the complaint.
It is caused by germs which live specially in polluted
soil, and gain entrance into the body through the mouth by
means of contaminated FOOD, MILK, etc. All yards
should, therefore, be kept clean and well flushed. Material
liable to decompose should be kept away from the
premises.
Where possible, all babies under one year are to be
nursed. If this is impossible, both the milk and the water
with which it is diluted should be boiled just before use.
All feeding bottles must be kept scrupulously clean.
If comforters are given (which is very inadvisable) they
•should be kept soaked in clean water when not in use.
Under no circumstances give a child a comforter picked up
from the floor without first washing.
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