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8
and the figure for all London during the past year is 60, as compared
with 74 in 1922.
The zymotic death-rate is .34 as compared with 63, the figure
for 1922. The number of Scarlet Fever cases notified during 1923
was 457, as compared with 674 in 1922, and the number ol
Diphtheria cases notified in 1923 was 528, as compared with 732
during 1922.
The deaths from Scarlet Fever numbered only 5; 5 less than
the previous year, and the deaths from Diphtheria 29, being 7
more than those registered in 1922.
One case of Small Pox was notified in Hackney during the
year, full details of the case will be found on page 32. Prompt
vaccination of the contacts prevented the spread of the disease.
Removal to hospital of infected persons and disinfection will
not by themselves prevent the spread of this extremely infectious
disease; successful vaccination of contacts is the only efficient safeguard,
and whatever views may be held about the compulsory
vaccination of infants, surely it cannot be denied, apart from the
question of protection of the public, that vaccination is preferable
to even the mildest attack of Small Pox.
In addition to the contacts of the case of Small Pox that
occurred in Hackney, it was necessary during the year to keep
under observation twelve contacts to cases notified in other
Boroughs.
As always occurs during periods of anxiety due to Small Poj,
a considerable number of illnesses presenting skin eruptions, such
as measles, food poisoning, sunburn and other skin complaints
were wrongly suspected of being Small Pox, the majority of the
suspect cases, however, being severe cases of Chicken Pox.
The rate from Cancer is the highest ever recorded in the
Borough.