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polluted oysters in different parts of this and other countries; so
that oysters may be regarded as a means for the conveyance of this
disease. The interest of all this, so far as Hackney is concerned,
lies in the fact that oyster-eaters are as numerous in this district
as in many others; and there is reasonable ground for suspicion
that some of the cases of the past year have been due to this cause.
I have notes that several of those who had suffered from typhoid
fever had eaten freely of this molluse at a period on or about the
time when the disease must have been contracted. Two of the cases
which I mentioned above as having been introduced into Hackney
were certainly infected during a holiday at Southend, one of the
places mentioned by Dr. Bulstrode, where the oysters were exposed
to pollution. I must add, however, that I am unable to prove these
persons had eaten specifically polluted oysters.
The remedy for the above danger to the public health is to
prohibit the culture of edible molluses where there is any danger of
pollution by sewage. This is, obviously, a matter for the Government.
But apart from this, it is generally admitted, that oysters
which have been polluted by sewage, may be cleansed and rendered
fit for consumption by being stored a sufficient time in water free
from pollution. This period is eight days according to Dr.
Chantemesse, of the French Academic de Medicine of Paris ; but
Dr. Klein's investigations indicate that a period of two or three
weeks is necessary.
Typhus.—One death is reported to have taken place from this
disease, but it is doubtful if it was true typhus.
Continued Fever.—Cases of ill-defined and doubtful fevers are
generally notified under this name. Seven such cases were reported
in Hackney during the year, amongst which were two deaths. The
ordinary precautions against the spread of infectious disease are
always adopted in these cases.
Puerperal Fever.—Six cases occurred in the district during
the year, three of which were fatal.
Cholera.—No case of this disease was notified during 1896.
Erysipelas.—The number of notifications from this disease
was 280, and the deaths 14, giving an attack-rate of 1.3, and a
death-rate of .06 per 1,000 living persons.