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2 registered as typhus the previous year, of which there was one
in the parish of Fulham and one in the parish of Hammersmith.
From enquiries made after death, it is most doubtful whether
any of these deaths were due to true typhus fever. As a matter
of fact, in no case did the disease spread, while typhus fever is
about the most infectious disease in existence.
Enteric, or Typhoid Fever.
Of the 7 deaths from typhoid fever, there were 3 in the parish
of Fulham and 4 in the parish of Hammersmith, against 20
cases registered the previous year, of which there were 11 in the
parish of Fulham and 9 in the parish of Hammersmith. None
of these cases were reported till after death. The very small
number of deaths from this disease is strong evidence of the
great good that has been done by the proper drainage of the
district; it is also a proof of the very excellent system of
drainage that has been provided for the locality. The system
of ventilation of the sewers of London by means of openings
in the centre of roads is highly objectionable. Shafts ought to
be provided for carrying the gas up above the levels of private
houses, where it would become diluted, and so less injurious to
health.
Measles.
During last year 99 cases of measles were reported, 52 in the
parish of Fulham and 47 in the parish of Hammersmith, against
56 cases in the previous year, of which there were 36 in the
parish of Fulham and 20 in the parish of Hammersmith. In
the second quarter of last year a somewhat serious outbreak of
the disease took place in Fulham New Town. It was chiefly
confined to 4 streets. Scarcely any isolation or sanitary precaution
was adopted until the cases were discovered by a house to
house visitation made by your Inspector. Your Board are able
to exercise very little control over the spreading of this disease,
for, as in the case of whooping cough, the complaint is thought
so lightly of, that isolation is neglected, and consequently a
large number of lives are lost that might otherwise be saved.
Simple Continued Fever.
Of the three deaths from simple continued fever, there was
one in the parish of Fulham and 2 in the parish of Hammersmith,
against 2 cases registered the previous year, which were both in
the parish of Hammersmith. None of these cases were reported
before death. It is very satisfactory to record so few cases of
this disease, as it is generally produced by a vitiated atmosphere.