View report page

13
The total number of deaths from the seven principal
epidemic diseases was 317, which is, after allowing for
increase of population, fewer than in any year since the
passing of the Metropolis Local Management Act. But
although the aggregate number is less, yet there has been
an increase in the mortality of small-pox, which, from
1857 to 1863, was almost absent from the District. This
disease broke out with much violence in certain parts of
the District in 1863, and again in 1866 and 1867. The
only way of checking it is a regular system of early
vaccination of children, and re-vaccination of adults. This,
however, is not part of the duties of the Sanitary staff. Measles
caused a smaller mortality than at any period since 1859, and
most probably will be epidemic during 1868, as it, as well as
scarlet fever, usually becomes epidemic in the year after it has
produced its lowest rate of mortality. Whooping-cough was
unusually prevalent and fatal, although not quite so much so as
in 1866. Diarrhoea on the contrary was, after allowing for
increase of population, less fatal than in any year since 1863,
and a smaller number of deaths was registered from fever
than in any year since 1860. This resume is exceedingly
satisfactory, as it leads to a hope that the free use of
disinfectants and a careful oversight of sanitary arrangements
will very materially reduce the amount of sickness and
death hitherto caused by epidemic diseases. We cannot
hope to banish fever, scarlet fever, or measles from our
District, but we should expect to modify their intensity,
and check their spread amongst the inhabitants. As before
stated, small-pox must be opposed by extensive and efficient
vaccination, as well as by the use of disinfectants.