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5
Influenza
Two diseases during the year occupied a large share
Of public attention ; the one being Influenza, and the
other Cholera. From Influenza, as a primary cause of death, 142
cases arc reported Hut Influenza is not so fatal when attacking
a healthy subject as when occurring as a complication in the
course of other diseases, and especially when these are of a chronic
character. The mortality from Bronchitis in persons of advanced
age is large, and it may fairly be inferred that death was accelerated
in many eases by the unsuspected presence of Influenza. The
full effect that Influenza exerts as a cause of sickness and death
can .n no measure be estimated from the returns. A disease
that makes large inroads on vital energy and physical strength
affecting a considerable proportion of the population does not pass
over without leaving a trail behind it. What direct influence this
thrice recurring epidemic has had on the death rate beyond the
comparatively small number of cases recorded under its especial
denomination cannot be traced.
Question have been as to what action Sanitary Authorities
should take upon the approach or ourbreak of Influenza, and on
this subject the following report was submitted to the Vestry
on February nth.
From the persistence of the epidemic of Influenza in Lambeth,
in common with the other parishes of the Metropolis, a question
of considerable importance arises in relation to the action, if any,
which a Sanitary Authority should take in putting into operation
the powers vested in it, having regard to the suppression or
limitation of disease. Such powers have reference chiefly to
notification, isolation, and disinfection. As to whether or no the
resources of the • Vestry may be usefully and efficiently employed
in any attempt to arrest the course of the epidemic of Infleunza
must in a large measure depend on the nature and mode of distribution
of the infecting material of that disorder.
A few weeks ago Professor Pfeiffer, a German scientist, discovered
in the expectoration of persons suffering from Influenza
the microscopic organism commonly described by the name of