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4
INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
Table III. shows number of deaths from seven principal infectious
diseases, for each quarter, all of which show a considerable comparative
reduction, except small pox, which shows a slight increase during the
quarters ending June, September, December, proportionate to a general
increase in the metropolis; all cases, where necessary and possible, were
removed to the hospital, and all houses disinfected.
The weekly annual rate of mortality per 1,000 population from
infectious diseases was 1.2 compared with 2.9 the previous year.
The extent of and mortality from this class of diseases, in a great
measure, indicates the sanitary condition of the Hamlet, and especially
indicates the greater nursing intelligence and hygienic care bestowed upon
patients and homes, which embrace so much in the successful treatment
and abolition of infectious diseases.
Table IV. shows the number of deaths at various ages. As is
invariably the case the greatest number were during the first year, next
the second year, after which, the weakest having succumbed to congenital
causes and disease, and too often to improper feeding and nursing, there
is a gradual decrease to the 15th year, after which an increase occurs
decennially up to 70. If a healthy people is deemed essential to a
thriving and powerful nation, it is in infancy that these results can be
best promoted ; whereas the neglect, cruelty and ignorance of management
of young life is universally most culpable and proverbial.
'As usual the greatest mortality occurred during the first year of life,
just double the number of those from 1 to 5 years of age, after which
"Slaughter of the Innocents" there is a sudden and remarkable reduction
of the death-rate up to 20 years, when there commences a gradual
increase to 70 years and upwards. The average of the four greatest
ages was 95.2 years.
Table V. shows Births and Deaths in the five different Wards,
Workhouses, and Infirmary.
Table VI. shows the number of deaths, and the rate for each of the
five Wards, exclusive of Infirmaries. Appended I have also given a
corrected estimate of the population of the Hamlet to the present time,
which would make the death-rate for the year under review 1.4 per
1,000 population living in the Hamlet, exclusive of deaths in Workhouse
Infirmaries.
Table VII. Return of Streets and Roads in which cases of infectious
diseases have occurred, and which have been investigated, and the
necessary instructions given, and notices, where necessary, served.
In concluding my Twenty-ninth Annual Report, I have to thank
the Vestry, and more especially the No. 3 or Public Health Committee,
for their uniform assistance and support in aiding me to so successfully