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132
This is a decrease of 61 as compared with the number of deaths
from this cause registered during 1937. The annual mortality-rate
from influenza is 0.06 per 1,000 inhabitants as compared with 0.06
for London and 0.11 for England and Wales.
Diarrhoea and Enteritis.—The total number of deaths from
this cause was 45. Thirty-one of these deaths occurred among
infants under one year of age. The mortality-rate among children
under two years of age per 1,000 live births was 12.3 as compared
with 13.1 for London and 5.5 for England and Wales.
Cases of enteritis come to notice from various sources, and one
outbreak of five cases, with four deaths, which occurred during the
year was the subject of a special investigation, as these patients
were infants temporarily resident in a home for mothers and babies.
The premises were formerly a large private residence which
had been inadequately converted for its present use. For example,
the provision for isolating sick inmates was insufficient, as also
were the sanitary arrangements. In addition, the premises were
in a state of disrepair. In short, the conditions were conducive
to the spread of infection.
To prevent the further spread of enteritis among the infants
in the home the Matron was advised as to the precautions to be
taken, and these steps were successful and no further cases were
reported.
The Borough Council is not the supervising authority as regards
homes for mothers and babies, but suggestions were made to the
authority having supervisory control and to the body responsible
for the maintenance of the home, as a result of which considerable
improvements were made as regards the sanitary condition of the
premises, the methods employed in running the home and the
medical supervision under which it is conducted.
The action taken as regards this home led to an investigation
of the conditions obtaining in another home in the Borough under
the control of the same body, and to the making of improvements
similar to those effected in the first home.
CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES.
(For Table of Deaths see pages 169 and 170.)
Cancer.—There were 328 deaths during 1938 due to malignant
disease. This is a decrease of 19 upon the number registered