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The above table shows that the deaths last year from smallpox,
scarlet fever, diphtheria, and typhoid fever were collectively
decreased 99 as compared with the previous year ; while the
deaths from measles, whooping cough, typhus fever, simple continued
fever, diarrhoea, and English cholera were collectively
increased 131. It also shows that the three diseases, measles,
whooping cough and diarrhoea, over which we have least direct
control, were the three diseases through which the chief increase
took place. On the other hand, those diseases over which we
have more direct control, were those from which there was a less
number of deaths registered. These facts are somewhat satisfactory,
as they go far to prove that the measures adopted by
your Board with the view of preventing the propagation of the
more serious forms of zymotic diseases are productive of good
results.
Smallpox Epidemic.
Last year smallpox was, as usual, very much more prevalent
in London than in any other town in England. This is a
remarkable fact. It is probably due to a combination of causes
but chiefly to the very great population of London and the
fact that for many years smallpox has infected the locality.
The Public Health Acts now existing are not sufficient to insure
the effectual isolation of all the cases that occur, and the consequence
is that the disease never gets completely stamped out.
No improvement in sanitary law in reference to the subject has
taken place during the past year. We have had during the past